BusinessMirror February 02, 2021

GOCC dividends to BTr hit record ₧157B

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

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@BNicolasBM

ASH dividends remitted by government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) reached P157 billion, the highest amount ever collected since the implementation of the Dividends Law in 1994, the Department of Finance said.

In a report to Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, DOF’s Corporate Affairs Group (CAG) said P156.97 billion in cash dividends were remitted last year by 57 GOCCs to the Bureau of the Treasury.

“This is also more than twice of the P69.17-billion dividend collection in 2019, inclusive of the dividend foregone. Without

dividends foregone, cash remittances is P135.08 billion in 2020, and P52.59 billion in 2019,” the CAG headed by Finance Undersecretary Antonette Tionko said in a report to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. Under Republic Act 7656 or the Dividends Law, GOCCs are required to declare and remit at least 50 percent of their annual net earnings as cash, stock or property dividends to the national government.

Of the P157-billion total cash dividends remitted by GOCCs in 2020, three-fourths or P119.1 billion partly funded the social amelioration program that the gover n ment i mplemented to cushion the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the

country’s poorest household and other vulnerable sectors. This amount also contributed to the gover nment’s unprog rammed revenues, Tionko said.

“These GOCC dividends were primarily utilized for the Social Amelioration Program (SAP), which provided emergency assistance to low-income families to help tide them over during the strict lockdowns imposed earlier last year to curb the spread of Covid-19,” Tionko said.

Leading the top 10 dividend contributors is the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) with P40.53 billion, followed by Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) with P17.98 billion.

Moving forward, Tionko vowed the CAG will continue to ensure

GOCCs’ compliance with the Dividends Law and its implementing rules and regulations, adding that the CAG already secured an agreement with the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) in 2020 for the transfer of the web-based GOCC Debt Recording and Monitoring System (GDRAMS) to the DOF. “GDRAMS will help in the analysis of GOCC debt and better manage the government’s financial exposure and strategy formulation,” Tionko said.

This reporting system also aims to streamline the data reporting process and facilitate the timely encoding and submission of the GOCCs of their debt reports, Tionko said.

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PHL MANUFACTURING

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Tuesday, February 2, 2021 Vol. 16 No. 114

P25.00 nationwide | 2 sections 18 pages |

IN ‘SOLID UPTICK’ IN JAN SENATORS BUCK BID TO LOWER TARIFFS ON PORK AND RICE

By Jasper Emmanuel Y. Arcalas @jearcalas

& Cai U. Ordinario

T

A MAN In Las Pinas wet market cuts and weigh pork meat on Monday, February 1.

President Duterte has capped the prices of pork and chicken for 60 days in Metro Manila, Malacañang said Monday, as consumers raised concerns over the rising cost of basic food items. Executive Order No. 124 imposes a price ceiling on pork and chicken within the National Capital Region. NONIE REYES

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By Bianca Cuaresma

@BcuaresmaBM

HE Philippine manufacturing sector recorded a strong growth in the first month of the year, signalling a “solid uptick” in business conditions in the country.

International think tank IHS Markit reported on Monday that the country’s Philippines’ Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) in Janu-

ary hit 52.5, rising from the 49.2 PMI in December.

A country’s PMI is meant to gauge the health of its manufac-

turing sector. It is calculated as a weighted average of five individual subcomponents. Readings below 50 show deterioration in the industry while readings above the 50 threshold signal a growth in the manufacturing sector.

“The latest reading signalled a solid uptick in business conditions, indicating a move towards a recovery from the downturn onset by the coronavirus pandemic 2019,” the report read.

The Philippines’s January PMI

is the strongest the sector has seen in 25 months.

The performance of the Philippine ma nufact ur ing sector has been see-sawing in previous months.

After months of contraction early in 2020, the country’s PMI pulled a solid recovery to hit above the growth threshold at 50.1 in September, only to be pulled back again to 48.5 in October due to renewed lockdowns.

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60-day price cap set for pork, poultry in NCR

By Samuel P. Medenilla

P

@sam_medenilla

RESIDENT Duterte signed on Monday Executive Order 124 imposing a price ceiling for pork and poultry products in Metro Manila.

Under the two-page issuance,

the following pork products will have their prices capped at the following rates: kasim/pigue, P270 per kilo; and liempo, P300 per kilo.

It also imposed a price ceiling for dressed chicken, at P160 per kilo.

EO 124 will remain valid for 60 days upon its effectivity after its publication.

PESO EXCHANGE RATES n US 48.0760

Duterte said he signed the new issuance to ensure said food items remain affordable as the country continues to reel from the economic slowdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This is made more crucial as many people, particularly the underprivileged and marginalized,

are still reeling from the economic slowdown caused by the ongoing novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. The ASF, which devastated many parts of the country, led to the culling of over 300,000 hogs, causing supply shortages for locally sourced pork.

@caiordinario

HE Department of Agriculture’s (DA) petitions to lower tariffs on pork and rice face an uphill battle ahead of the Tariff Commission (TC) hearings on the matter, as senators on Monday blocked the proposal, saying local producers would be placed at a disadvantage against cheap imported products.

This, as the Neda is mulling over an option to adopt a unitary rate; while a noted economist urged both policy makers and the farm sectors to “look beyond” a simplistic resort to tariffs to resolve systemic problems in food security.

Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform Chair Cynthia A. Villar told Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar that the senators are in “unison” in opposing any moves to reduce tariffs on food items.

“You know, Secretary Dar, we are one in saying that we are not in favor of tariff reductions and MAV (minimum access volume) expansion. So, we in the Senate will not approve of any tariff reductions and MAV expansions,” Villar said during the committee’s hearing on Monday.

The DA filed two petitions last week before the TC for the reduction of most favored nation (MFN) rates of pork and rice imports.

The DA petitioned to lower the tariffs for in-quota pork imports from 30 percent to 5 percent for the first six months; and to raise it afterward to 10 percent for the succeeding six months.

The DA also petitioned to lower the out-quota tariff for pork to 15 percent for the first six months and increase it to 20 percent for the next six months.

Out-quota pork imports are slapped with a 40-percent tariff.

In terms of rice, the in-quota tariff for rice imports or those within the minimum access volume (MAV) is at 40 percent while those outside the MAV (out-quota) are at 50 percent.

The Cabinet-level Committee on Tariff and Related Matters (CTRM) has endorsed the proposal to reduce pork tariffs. (Related story: https:// busi n e s sm i r ror .com. ph /2021 /01 /29/ct r m-endorses-tariff-reduction-onpork-imports/) Hog industry leaders and experts have opposed the reduction on tariffs as it would discourage growers from restocking, while some argued that there is no guarantee consumers would benefit from lower tariffs.

Furthermore, the DA petitioned to cut MFN rates for rice imports to 35 percent from the current 40 percent for in-quota imports and 50 percent for out-quota imports. (Related story: https://businessmirror .com.ph/2021/02/01/ tariff-cut-to-ex pand-phlsources-of-rice-imports/) Industry groups have lamented the lack of consultation for both proposals by the DA. The TC is set to conduct a hearing on the two petitions this Thursday.

“Ay hindi! Hindi. Over my dead body. Wala namang rice shortage. Talagang pinapaimport naman sila eh. Bakit ninyo pinag-iinitan ang rice, eh rice ang saving grace natin ngayon eh,” Villar said.

(No. No. Over my dead body.

There is no rice shortage. And importers are allowed to import. Why are you focusing on rice, when it is the saving grace today?)

Villar emphasized that tariffs are “very necessary” to protect local producers. “You use the tariffs to subsidize your producers in order for them to become competitive [against foreign counterparts],” she said.

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n JAPAN 0.4590 n UK 65.9026 n HK 6.2011 n CHINA 7.4768 n SINGAPORE 36.1855 n AUSTRALIA 36.6339 n EU 58.3306 n SAUDI ARABIA 12.8189

Source: BSP (February 1, 2021)

News

BusinessMirror

A2 Tuesday, February 2, 2021

7-M voters Comelec deactivated must get back on list by Sept

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ROUND 7 million voters may no longer be able to participate in the 2022 National and Local elections, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

In her Twitter account, Comelec Commissioner Rowena V. Guanzon disclosed the voters were “deactivated” from the list due to several factors, including failure to vote in at least two previous elections.

Other grounds for deactivation include being sentenced with imprisonment for not less than one year; being found to have caused/committed any crime involving disloyalty to the duly constituted government, such as rebellion, sedition, violation of the anti-subversion and

firearms laws; Voters, who were declared by competent authority to be insane, ordered by the Court to be excluded from the voters list, or those who lost their Filipino citizenship, may also face deactivation from Comelec.

The said voters will only be allowed to participate in the next election after their application for reactivation is approved in the local Offices of Election Officers (OEO) during the voter registration.

The ongoing voter registration for the 2022 elections will end on Sept. 30, 2021.

Guanzon said of the 7 million deactivated voters, only 700,000 have currently applied for reactivation. Samuel P. Medenilla

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Covid-related risks seen to crimp PHL recovery

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By Bianca Cuaresma

@BcuaresmaBM

OODY’S Analytics, the research arm of the Moody’s Group, warned of potential threats to the local economic recovery in 2021.

In a short economic review of the Philippine economy published on Monday, Moody’s Analytics associate economist Eric Chiang said pandemic conditions could continue to weigh in on the Philippines’ economic performance in 2021 as a vaccination program remains unclear.

“A recovery hinges on the government’s plan to vaccinate as

many as 70 million Filipinos this year, or two-thirds of the population, allowing social distancing restrictions to be lifted and tourist arrivals to resume,” Chiang said.

“However, the Philippines has not yet secured enough vaccines to cover its entire population and faces obstacles such as logistical challenges and growing doubt about vaccine efficacy,” he added.

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would be brought down to a single 35-percent rate.

For Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) Senior Research Fellow Roehlano Briones, what is more important is for tariffs to be cut in order to benefit consumers.

“A lower unitary tariff is better for consumers. (However), producers are not in favor of this.

As to the tariff rate, any rate that is better than what we have now (would be recommended),” Briones said.

If it were up to the former dean of the School of Labor and Industrial Relations (Solair), Rene E. Ofreneo, determining an overall strategy for the agriculture sector is imperative at this time.

Moody’s is not the only research group to warn about the effects of a slow vaccination rollout to the Philippines’ economic potential.

Fitch Solutions, the research arm of the Fitch Group, also issued a similar research note just last week, saying the Philippines is only expected to register a “partial recovery” this year, as continued movement restrictions limit the potential of a domestic consumption-dependent economy to fully recover.

“The re-imposition of lockdown measures would be highly damaging to the economy. While Philippine authorities have reportedly secured 100 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines, the timeline for the rollout and participation rates in the vaccination programme remain less clear,” Fitch Solutions said.

Moody’s Analytics also expressed belief that the Bangko

Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is likely “out of ammunition” for 2021 after its aggressive rate cuts in 2020 to keep the economy afloat.

This is as Chiang said, the Philippines’ policy rate is now at 2 percent and inflation is now trending closer to the top end of its 2 to 4 percent inflation target.

The central bank has cut its rates by a total of 200 basis points in 2020 - 25 basis points in February, 50 basis points in March, another 50 basis points in an off-schedule monetary board meeting in April, another 50 basis point cut in June; and the latest 25 basis point cut in November.

Inflation, on the other hand, accelerated to 3.5 percent in December 2020. For this year, the BSP is expectetd to hold its first monetary policy meeting for 2021 on February 11.

suffered losses and when can they recover?” Ofreneo said.

“It’s time to raise very serious questions. This is not only addressed to the government but to farmers’ organizations. Is your only position to say no to importation? This is a very serious matter,” he added.

He lamented that the Philippines has become a net food importer and that agriculture now only accounts for about 8 percent of GDP and given the current situation with climate change, this could go down further to 5 percent of GDP. It is time to think of an overall strategy, especially when protectionism is rife in many parts of the world. Ofreneo said many countries are talking about technology nationalism and vaccine nationalism.

He also noted that India withdrew from Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement for nationalistic reasons. India has been firm on its resistance to the liberalization of trade in goods.

Under existing laws, the TC is mandated to conduct investigations on tariff

adjustments and afterward submit a recommendation to the Neda, which subsequently makes its final recommendation to the President to issue an executive order (EO) to modify tariffs.

However, the power of the President to modify tariff rates is only in effect when Congress is not in session.

Congress is currently in session and would only be in recess on March 27.

As mandated by the Constitution, all tariff-related bills shall “originate exclusively in the House of Representatives but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments.”

In 2018, when food prices were also rising—driven by rice—the Congress tinkered with taking an almost 2-week break in August to allow Duterte to issue an EO that would cut tariffs on imported food products.

Villar disclosed that she is mulling over filing a bill that would create an enhancement fund for the livestock and poultry sectors likened to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) that was established by the rice trade liberalization law.

PHL MANUFACTURING IN ‘SOLID UPTICK’ IN JAN SENATORS BUCK BID TO LOWER TARIFFS ON PORK AND RICE Continued from A1

In November, the country’s PMI rose to 49.9 then fell back to 49.2 in December.

The strong performance of the local manufacturing sector in January was attributed to improving customer demand which led to an uptick in output, new orders and purchasing activity which rose for the first time in 11 months.

“January data indicated a rebound in operating conditions across Filipino manufacturing sector after three successive months of decline. Production volumes rose solidly, while renewed growth in new orders indicated an overall improvement in demand conditions,” IHS Markit economist Shreeya Patel said.

An increase in purchasing activity and stocked inventories was also a positive sign that manufacturing companies expect demand to grow over the coming months,” the economist added.

The 52.5 PMI of the Philippines was the second strongest in the region in January. Data from IHS Markit showed that the Philippine manufacturing sector’s per-

formance was second only to Singapore, which registered a PMI of 55.9.

Next to the Philippines’ performance is Indonesia’s 52.2 and Vietnam’s 51.3.

Thailand, Malaysia and Myanmar’s manufacturing conditions all fell below the 50-point growth threshold in January. Thailand registered a PMI of 49, Malaysia at 48.9 and Myanmar at 47.8.

Patel, however, warned that despite a strong performance at the beginning of the year, there are still “signs of fragility” in the manufacturing sector.

“Signs of fragility remained evident with staffing cuts and sharp cost pressures mounting.

At the same time, virus-related restrictions contributed to substantially longer delivery times and subdued foreign demand,” Patel said.

“Businesses are hoping for a successful and swift vaccine rollout plan, which is scheduled to begin during the first quarter. Until then, restrictions are likely to stay in place as policy makers seek to contain virus case numbers,” the economist added.

GOCC dividends to BTr hit record ₧157B Continued from A1

On top of enhancing GDRAMS, she said they w ill also train GOCCs on the use of the system so that it could be fully implemented this year.

I n p a r t n e r s h i p w i t h t h e Wo r l d B a n k , t h e C AG a l s o

spearheaded efforts in 2020 to strengthen the gover nment’s capacity to manage its contingent l iabi l it ies a nd eva lu ate risks from Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, taking into account the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

60-day price cap set for pork, poultry in NCR Continued from A1

It consequently caused the de-

mand for poultry to spike as people bought it as alternative for pork.

“It is imperative and urgent to ensure the basic necessities are adequate, affordable, and accessible,” Duterte said.

EO 124 will remain valid for 60 days upon its effectivity after it is published in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper.

Its duration may be extended by the President upon the recommendation of the DA.

Unitary tariff for pork, rice

ONE option, in the view of a National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) official, is for the Philippines to implement a unitary tariff rate for pork and rice imports after consultations are conducted.

Neda Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Rosemarie G. Edillon, however, told BusinessMirror the consultations at the Tariff Commission will have to be completed before this can happen.

Edillon said Neda is right now still completing simulations, which can measure the implications of such a revision in the country’s tariff rates.

“This (having a unitary rate) is in keeping with our WTO (World Trade Organization) commitments on MFN (Most Favored Nation),” Edillon told this newspaper in a message. “(It is) possible (to have a unitary rate), but we are still studying the implications.”

The DA is proposing to lower pork tariffs within MAV from 30 percent to 5 percent and those outside MAV, at 15 percent from 40 percent; while rice tariffs

Focus beyond tariffs–Ofreneo

OFRENEO said policymakers and farmers organizations should bare an overall strategy and not simply talk about tariff rates. He said it is easy to discuss tariffs, but the effect of these rates on the entire agriculture sector are only temporary.

“We can solve inflation at the moment (by reducing tariffs) but in the meantime, what do you do with domestic producers who

PHL strikes prudent tone on Myanmar’s coup Continued from A10

“However, Embassy is able to communicate with Filcom through WhatsApp.” Foreign news reports said communications channels in Myanmar had stopped working – “phone lines to the capital Naypyidaw were interrupted, state-run MRTV said it was unable to broadcast due to ‘technical issues,’ and widespread internet disruptions were reported from 3 a.m.”

The military subsequently announced on military-controlled Myawaddy TV that it had taken control of the country for one year.

A statement signed by acting president Myint Swe declared that responsibility for “legislation, administration and judi-

ciary” had been transferred to Min Aung Hlaing.

Aung San Suu Kyi is the daughter of t he cou nt r y ’s moder n founder Aung San, who became a notable prodemocracy activist.

In 1990, free elections allowed by the military resulted in a landslide victory for Kyi ’s party the National League of Democracy (NLD); however, the military refused to cede power and placed her under house arrest.

She refused to leave the country despite prodding by her military jailers, fearful she would never be let back in. In 2015, she won in democratic elections and was seen as the one leader who can steer her country through a difficult transition after decades of military rule.

However, the military retained substantial power, including the right to appoint a fourth of parliament members.

On Sunday, however, Myanmar’s powerful military took control of the country in a coup and declared a state of emergency.

News reports said the military had detained Suu Kyi, the country’s de facto civilian leader, and NLD stalwarts, in response to alleged voting irregularities in November’s election.

The coup followed weeks of worsening political tensions in the country over the disputed election and rumors that the military could take over had been swirling for days.

President Win Myint was also

detained, according to Reuters, as well as several senior leaders from large states in Myanmar, including the ministers of Shan State, Kayah State, and the NLD Ayeyarwady state spokesperson.

The coup was condemned internationally, with the United States ca l l ing on Mya nma r’s military leaders to “release all government officials and civil society leaders and respect the will of the people.”

In the general election on November 8, 2020the NLD won 396 out of 476 seats in parliament, an even larger margin of victory compared to that in the 2015 election.

The military’s proxy party, the Union Solidarity and Development Party, won only 33 seats.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

The Nation BusinessMirror

NSC slams ploy to ‘discredit’ village development program

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

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HE National Security Council (NSC) on Monday assured the public that proposed projects to be funded by Congress-approved Barangay Development Program (BDP) were conceived through multi-sectoral consultations, even as the council slammed the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) for peddling lies to discredit the program.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said each 822 barangay cleared of NPA threat and influence is getting P20-million BDP funding initiated by the Duterte administration and approved by Congress.

In fact, the official said, the selection of barangay recipients and their corresponding programs and projects had undergone stringent vetting from national agencies. The grassrootslevel needs assessment ensures that the recipients of the package of development initiatives are endowed access to basic services essential for a dignified and comfortable life.

Esperon issued the statement to clarify the “wrong” information being disseminated by CPP-NPA chief information officer Marco Valbuena.

Esperon also said threatened/ affected communities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) were consulted about the projects under the program.

He said Valbuena misled his readers by providing erroneous computations when he claimed that P20 million will be distributed among 215 barangays or P93,000 each.

“It would be ridiculous to assume,

in his words, that “each barangay will get a health center worth P6,976...or P13,953 for a school building. The entire machinery of the government’s checks and balances was exhausted in the review and approval process of this program, from the congressional hearings to the Department of Budget and Management. No competent disbursement authority will allow such an unbelievably small amount such as P6,976 for a health center, or P13,953 for a school building,” Esperon, vice chairman of the National Task Force End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC), pointed out.

“For the benefit of Mr. Valbuena and his readers, allow me to further reiterate that the P20 million worth of programs and projects he speaks of is to be given to each barangay cleared of the NPA threat and influence from 2016 to 2019. To set the record straight, there are 822 barangays that shall each be receiving the P20-million BDP assistance, contrary to his claim of 215,” Esperon added.

Hence, Esperon said, a nationwide total of P16.44 billion is allotted for the programs and projects to be implemented under the BDP. The BDP is the flagship project of the Duterte administration intended to eliminate local communist armed conflict by addressing the root causes of insurgency and help people uplift their lives. President Duterte is the chairman of the NTF-ELCAC. Earlier, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado said he has already issued Local Budget Circular 135, which will serve as the guidelines in releasing NTF-ELCAC’s Local Government Support to the Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP).

PNP urged to strive for excellence, integrity amid ‘extraordinary times’

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HE 220,000-strong Philippine National Police (PNP) was urged on Monday to always strive for “excellence and integrity” as it celebrated its 30th foundation day on Monday.

“Our people’s trust in us [as] their public servants, should be compensated with our continuous efforts to better ourselves,” Commissioner Vitaliano Aguirre II, vice chairman and executive officer of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) said.

The newly appointed Napolcom official was the guest of honor and keynote speaker during the PNP’s anniversary celebration at Camp Crame.

Aguirre recognized the PNP for performing its law enforcement and public safety mandate during “extraordinary times.”

“From the Taal Volcano eruption, the spate of devastating typhoons, up to the Covid-19 pandemic, all these have tested our limits, both as a country and as individuals. Yet, in the face of all these challenges, plus the issues of peace and order, we have seen how our police force have adopted and have shown admirable flexibility, and have even led admirably, amidst the ever changing landscape of the Covid-19 scourge,” Aguirre said.

“The greater challenge ahead of us demands for a police force that is flexible, agile, and adaptable, and can thrive in any volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous situation,” he added.

PNP chief General Debold Sinas said the event was also in honor of the 28 PNP members who have succumbed to Covid-19. Rene Acosta

Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug • Tuesday, February 2, 2021 A3

Neda chief says PHL can further ease mobility restrictions to restart economy

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

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HE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) believes the Philippines can further ease mobility restrictions— with the cooperation of the rest of the populace—most probably by March and pave the way for an economic comeback this year.

In a briefing on Monday, Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua said the general community quarantine (GCQ) in Metro Manila and nearby areas costs the economy P700 million in wages and salaries daily. This cripples consumption and hinders the growth of the Philippines economy.

However, Chua said if the government eases mobility restrictions by March, there is a chance that the economy will recover starting in the second quarter of the year. He said this will still make it possible for the

economy to register 6.5 to 7.5 percent growth this year.

“We hope that by March, we can make a turnaround hopefully in the second to the fourth quarter. So far, so long as we manage the risks better, we do not see a significant change in our economic growth trajectory. So we can still achieve the 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent [target this year],” Chua said.

Chua said regions such as the National Capital Region (NCR) have been placed in GCQ for the past 12 months. Filipinos have already learned to “live with the virus” as evidence showed by recent data.

In a presentation, Chua said the further opening of the economy in October 2020 did not see Covid-19 cases spike, nor did it go up during the year-end holiday season. The trajectory of the number of daily confirmed cases has been on a decline.

Further, Chua said he is optimistic that the arrival of the vaccine will im-

prove confidence among consumers and will boost the economy. This will ensure the recovery of the economy in the next three quarters of the year.

“As I mentioned, 95 percent of the time, your safety, everyone’s safety is driven by your personal behavior of wearing a mask and washing hands, social distancing and avoiding crowds. If you do all these, it will really open the economy but if people violate it and have parties and so on without those precautions, then our progress will be lost. The [economic] scarring is there and we have to minimize it,” he added.

Additional subsidy

CHUA said the government has already extended a P1.258 trillion or 6.7 percent of GDP from the start of the pandemic.

Together with the reform bills, the total assistance from the government will reach P2.567 trillion or 13.8 percent of GDP.

Senate panel OKs list on priority measures

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

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HE Senate Committee on Rules upheld in a meeting on Monday the existing committee system, affirming its legislative priorities to tackle the Rightsizing Bill, along with other pending legislations creating a separate Department for Overseas Filipinos, Department of Disaster Resilience and Management, Department of Culture, and a Department of Water Management.

Chaired by Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, the Rules Committee agreed that “the bills may be taken up by their respective committees simultaneously,” adding that once the respective committee reports are filed, the leadership will then convene an all-senators caucus to “discuss their prioritization in the legislative calendar for plenary discussion.”

Acting on a motion by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon last December, the committee proceeded to tackle an issue raised to first settle whether “a conflict in priorities may arise between the Rightsizing bill and the bills regarding the creation of new agencies.”

Asserting that “the Senate works through a committee system,” Zubiri reminded that “by practice and tradition, we have long given committees their sole prerogative and discretions regarding matters referred to them,” noting that “each committee

At the very least, we cannot determine yet if the committee reports to be filed will be conflicting. We cannot prematurely prevent or control a committee in transacting their affairs.

@rodrik_28 Contributor

BM

“the Senate is a collegial body with a collective decision. On the priorities of the Senate, we will take this up with an all-member caucus to discuss priorities that will be taken up on the floor.”

At the same time, Zubiri credited Sen. Joel Villanueva, chairman of the Committee on Labor that endorsed passage of the bills creating the proposed Department of OFWs. “We laud Sen. Villanueva for “fighting for and being a staunch advocate of the welfare of our overseas Filipino workers and prioritizing and fast-tracking the bills on OFWs referred to his committee.”

The Majority Leader also assured that senators will honor the committee system of the Senate...“always remembering that over everything else, the priority of the Senate is geared toward measures that focus on health, economy, and fiscal discipline.”

DENR reports completion of 1,300 river cleanup drives in Luzon since Jan. 2019

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ESPITE the community quarantines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) never ceased to conduct cleanup drives in various rivers and coastal areas in Central Luzon.

In Bulacan alone, more than 1,300 cleanup drives were conducted since the launch of “Battle for Manila Bay” on January 27, 2019, and that the effort will be further intensified this year, officials of the DENR Central Luzon Office and Bulacan Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office said in a news statement.

Bulacan PENRO Emelita Lingat said the river cleanup has resulted in the collection of over 357,000 tons solid waste and was actively participated in by more than 6,000 volunteers from various locality in the province.

“We are serious with our program to clean Manila Bay portion in Bulacan. And we are now seeing the re-

sults of our collaborative efforts with local governments and communities, but still we need to do more to end this battle,” she explained.

The DENR Bulacan has also recovered a total of 30 kilometers of easement or riverbank along the towns of Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando river system as an important strategy to clean Manila Bay and free from illegal structures.

“We need to protect our river easement from littering and illegal construction of structures to ensure the cleanliness of Manila Bay,” she added.

Five floating trash traps measuring 120 linear meters were also installed in the five barangays of Meycauayan town to prevent solid waste from reaching the shoreline of Manila Bay. This was collected daily and monitored by 100 estero rangers hired by the DENR to help in the cleanup and rehabilitation and

monitoring of rivers.

Removal of submerged solid wastes in Meycauayan-Obando river system were also conducted through mechanized cleanup or using back-hoe, the process also known as “grubbing.”

A total of 2,160 cubic meters of mixed silt and trash were grubbed, Lingat said, adding that this process can facilitate the faster cleaning of rivers and tributaries especially those heavily polluted.

Paquito Moreno Jr., executive director of DENR in Central Luzon, said the DENR is set to conduct more river and coastal cleanups, delineation and recovery of river easement areas, grubbing, installation of floating trash traps, information, education and communication (IEC) campaign and resettlement of informal settlers this year in the Manila Bay areas in Region 3 covering Pampanga, Bulacan, Bataan, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija. Jonathan L. Mayuga

PROTECT THE CHILDREN

Mayor orders closure of Covid lab in Valenzuela for lack of permit

By Roderick L. Abad

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri has its sovereign right to bring out its committee report on a particular measure.”

Moreover, the Majority Leader clarified that “as to the prioritization of legislative agenda to be tackled on the floor, it is a matter of policy not explicitly laid down in our rules,” adding, “Prioritization of legislative agenda is incumbent upon the collective wisdom and discretion of the chamber and its members.”

Zubiri reminded that “the issues at hand are still at the committee level.” “At the very least, we cannot determine yet if the committee reports to be filed will be conflicting.

We cannot prematurely prevent or control a committee in transacting their affairs,” he said.

Zubiri clarified that “the Committee on Rules does not wish to interfere in whatever way with the committee system at work.” At the same time, Zubiri affirmed that

The speedy implementation of Bayanihan II, Chua said, and its extension June 30, 2021 and the 2020 budget to December 31, 2021 can effectively provide additional fiscal stimulus.

“We will have to prioritize these because we have proposed more stimulus [spending]. When we implement it and we see that more is needed, then we will be open to that [additional stimulus],” Chua said.

Chua said the Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer (FIST) Act is now pending for signing of the President while the Government Financial Institutions’ Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery (GUIDE) Act is on second reading in the House of Representatives.

He said the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE), which aims to lower taxes and give tax incentives, will also contribute to the assistance of the government to businesses.

The Philippine Red Cross affirms its support to the Department of Health’s Chikiting Ligtas: dagdag bakuna kontra rubella, polio at tigdas—a campaign launched to promote vaccination to communities in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Metro Manila and Visayas region. This will run for the whole month of February. “In spite of the threats posed by Covid-19, our volunteers are still very eager to help protect our children from the threat of other diseases. We are in the middle of a pandemic and we cannot afford to have another outbreak,” says PRC Chairman and CEO, Sen. Richard Gordon.

P

RIVATE laboratory company Bestcare Medical Clinic and Diagnostic Center Inc. has ceased offering Covid-19 testing services after it was found operating without a license and violating local health policies.

The immediate closure and suspension of business permits of its two branches in Barangay Karuhatan last January 29 were directed

by Valenzuela City Mayor Rexlon Gatchalian through his issuance of Executive Orders 015 and 016, Series of 2021.

The mayor’s order came following reports that Bestcare has been offering reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) swab tests with no license as an accredited Covid-19 testing facility.

It is also in violation of the provisions of Republic Act 11332, or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concerns Act, for failure to report Covid-19 test outcomes and for allegedly releasing RT-PCR results without accreditation as a testing laboratory.

In its letter dated January 27, the City’s Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) issued a Notice to Explain to the establishment after it received information that the clinic has “committed acts of falsifying swab test results” using the name of another laboratory.

Bestcare, however, did not directly address the issue for its alleged “questionable actions” in its written explanation to the City Government dated January 29.

Since the case remains under investigation, the local government unit (LGU) of Valenzuela deems it is right to suspend the firm’s business permit in protection of consumer rights and public welfare as the clinic has been offering Covid-19 RT-PCR tests even without a license to do so which is tantamount to misrepresentation.

Specifically, the city government’s grounds for a halt in Bestcare’s business operations include Violation of Mayor’s Permit, Violation of Waiver/Undertaking, Violation of Consumer Rights, and Violation of the provision of the Local Government Code on General Welfare.

A4 Tuesday, February 2, 2021 • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug

Economy BusinessMirror

DTI proposes SRP on farm products ‘on all levels’ to control price spikes

T

By Elijah Felice E. Rosales

@alyasjah

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has proposed putting suggested retail price (SRP) on farm products “on all levels”—from producers to traders to retailers—to prevent cost increases in the supply chain.

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez on Monday said the DTI has submitted to the Department of Agriculture (DA) a recommendation on how to manage the prices of pork that are now surging to P400 per kilogram. He filed before the DA the proposal to put an SRP on wholesale, trading and retail of pork products until such time supply has normalized.

“We recommended to Secretary William Dar that if the government sets up an SRP on retail, we need to

LGUs hosting powergen facilities receive P4.39 billion

By Lorenz S. Marasigan @lorenzmarasigan

T

HE Department of Energy (DOE) has released P4.39 billion under the Energy Regulations 1-94 (ER 1-94) Program to local government units (LGUs) hosting energy generation facilities or energy resource development projects.

“As of December 31, 2020, a total of P4.28-billion ER 1-94 Funds was released to host LGUs by the DOE. For January 2021, a total of P113.34 million was released, bringing the cumulative total of ER 1-94 releases to P4.39 billion,” a DOE statement released on Monday read.

Under the ER 1-94 program, host communities to energy generation facilities and/or energy resource development are entitled to P 0.01 per kilowatt-hour of the total electricity sales of generation companies and energy resource developers to finance electrification, livelihood and development projects.

It was introduced in the middle of last year to help communities recover from the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

These funds are currently being utilized and disbursed by the host LGUs for the facilitation of mass testing; provision of an emergency subsidy in the form of non-food items; assurance of uninterrupted availability and access of essential commodities, particularly food and medicines; and support feeding programs and provision of relief goods for low-income constituents.

The disbursed funds are also being used for the acquisition of personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline medical workers, and medical and other decontamination/disinfecting supplies and equipment; provision, by construction or lease, of additional medical facilities, tents, safe holding areas, including quarantine centers and distribution centers; and for the provision of electricity cost subsidies to newly constructed facilities of hospitals and health clinics.

The funds are also being used for the provision of cremation, or burial services, to families affected by Covid-19; and other reasonable and tangible measures to contain, mitigate and eliminatethetransmissionofCovid-19, and manage and control its effects to the community and individuals.

put an SRP as well in the wholesale and on the viajeros [traders] to make it clear that we monitor and require everyone in the value chain to comply,” Lopez said in a Senate inquiry on the rising prices of meat items, especially pork.

Lopez argued the SRP must not only cover retailers, as their pricing just moves in line with what traders sell to them. As such, he said, it is mandatory for the government to manage the selling price of those involved in the wholesaling and trading

of agricultural goods.

“When the pork and other meat products enter the market, the problem is that retailers just go by what is passed onto them,” Lopez explained.

“They will add P5 or P10 because they have to profit from the products.

That’s why it’s important we put an SRP at the different levels—from farm gate up to the dealers—so everyone will have to follow,” the trade chief added.

Likewise, he called on authorities with police powers to throw in a whole of government approach in combatting the rising prices of basic food items.

Lopez said the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) should be included in the monitoring of wholesalers and traders. He explained the PNP and the NBI can employ their authority to look into warehouses so as to investigate cases of hoarding, collusion and profiteering in the market.

“We really have to involve the intelligence group, and that’s why the PNP and the NBI must be included in

the effort to do the extra intel work on traders. We cannot see that in the market. It is important we scrutinize their warehouses to investigate profiteering,” Lopez said.

Also on Monday Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go announced that President Duterte issued an executive order (EO) imposing a price ceiling on pork and chicken products in Metro Manila. The price cap, as requested by the DA, lasts for a period of 60 days.

As of this writing, the Official Gazette has yet to release the EO on price ceiling, but Agriculture Secretary William Dar in his proposal had asked the President to place it at P270 per kilo on pork kasim, P300 a kilo on pork liempo and P160 on chicken.

Supply of pork has been cut due to the African swine fever (ASF) crisis hounding the local hog industry. Families are finding it difficult to serve pork dishes, as prices of the meat product has reached as high as P400 per kilo on supply constraints brought about by the deadly ASF contagion.

ADB provides $25M to help PHL procure Covid vaccines

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

T

HE Philippine government now has the means pay vaccine manufacturers in advance and secure Covid-19 vaccines for millions of Filipinos, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In a news statement, ADB said it has provided a $25-million funding to purchase vaccines. The amount is part of the $125-million loan for the Health System Enhancement to Address and Limit(HEAL)Covid-19Projectapproved by the ADB Board in August 2020.

The Department of Health reported that as of the end of January 2021, the country has already recorded 525,618 Covid-19 cases.

The total number of active cases has reached 27,318, while the virus has killed 10,749 Filipinos to date.

“The Philippines launched a comprehensive economic stimulus and health-care support program following the surge in Covid-19 cases

in April 2020. It has significantly improved its capacity in testing, tracing, isolating, and treating Covid-19 cases in the last 10 months,” ADB President Masatsugu Asakawa said.

“Vaccination is the next critical step to protect lives and promote livelihood opportunities. We stand ready to support the government in these unprecedented times and help the economy navigate back to its prepandemic growth path,” he added.

In a briefing on Monday, Palace spokesmanHarryRoquesaidthefunds will be used to buy all possible vaccines thatwillmeetthestandardsoftheADB. ADB said the newly allocated funding for vaccine supply will follow the vaccine access and eligibility requirements under ADB’s Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility (APVAX), which was launched in December 2020 with a financing commitment of $9 billion for the region.

To supplement the $25-million financing, ADB is preparing a followon project under APVAX for consider-

ation by the ADB’s Board of Directors to support the government’s efforts to procure vaccines.

The government has developed a Covid-19 vaccine road map to immunize 60 percent to 75 percent of Filipinos with safe and cost-effective vaccines in an equitable manner. It is negotiating vaccine delivery with several vaccine developers.

ADB is providing technical advisory assistance to the government on the national vaccine road map through a development partner coordination working group created by the Department of Finance.

The government’s vaccine supply contracts with ADB financing, including direct payments by ADB to vaccine manufacturers, will follow ADB’s procurement rules and guidelines, and ADB’s anti-corruption and integrity policy. The financing will also follow global best practices on safeguards measures, including waste management of medical supplies.

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Leadership change 2021–The next boss should be a coach

By Henry J. Schumacher Up to early 2020, no matter how much the office changed, the image of the boss endured: it was someone who put in years climbing the ranks or leapt between companies, propelled by triumphs in revenue growth. The best at charming new clients or closing deals. The manager with the final say on team objectives and your performance review.

Is it time for that boss to go extinct at the beginning of 2021?

I think so. We are faced with generations in the work force of the future; young ones want to become the biggest asset of the company; the baby boomers have to embrace the millennials and centennials.

Cost-cutting measures implemented during the pandemic environment of last year mean that the average boss today has twice the number of direct reports as a manager in the early days—a trend that management experts predict will continue after the coronavirus pandemic. At the same time, an increasing number of tasks that once ate up a manager’s time, such as auditing and approving expense reports, has been automated.

And as the conditions under which the boss operates have shifted—fewer managers, more reports, less administrative work—a new model is emerging. This boss is a coach, not a dictator; a mentor, but not necessarily because of experience with sales or programming.

Where previous leaders may have sought to stand out, these managers excel at fostering collaboration.

They must be able to dream jointly with the team and inspire the team.

It is possible they will be younger than you are, with less industry experience! Can you handle that?

Going forward, managers will be less technical experts and more social-emotional experts, to help employees navigate the culture of the organization. Bosses in previous generations tended to be excellent individual contributors who

were promoted to management positions so they could teach teams. It was a model that functioned effectively as long as the rate of change in the workplace remained low.

However, with technology such as automation and artificial intelligence changing our working environment at a fast pace, work will become more about idea generation and developing talent.

Without the need to devote as much time to business tasks, managers will increasingly focus on coaching employees and providing emotional support, bridging the work/life expectations of various generations­ with special focus on millennials and centennials. These people do not want to be told what to do, they expect to be encouraged to solve problems and moving the company forward as entrepreneurs, or rather as intrapreneurs.

As the role of the manager shifts from authority figure to nurturer, winning workers over on everything from the company’s performance record so far to tomorrow’s focus on digitalization, data management, providing sustainable products and services for instance will gain importance.

The changing job description of a boss and increased expectations from workers means a different type of employee will be considered management material. Those with highly developed social abilities, good listening skills, real-time processing skills, will pull ahead.

This will prove especially true in virtual environments, where the ability to gain employee trust and engagement over digital platforms will become crucial. Undergoing digital transformation, the question comes up: do I use technology to try to do my best to create a great workplace or do I use technology to get all the analytics and control someone’s professional life?

While management training has traditionally focused on educating leaders to run the business, increasingly it needs to be geared toward training executives to manage through, and in some cases drive, rapid change. We need the right combination of high-tech and high-touch in human relations to attract and keep the right people.

The tools it takes to achieve that are often the tools of a coach and less the tools of a commander.

Having been a commander before, I have to admit that I like these changes. What about you? I am interested in your feedback. Contact me at hjschumacher59@gmail.com

Energy dept urged to assure ample electricity supply during vaccination

By Jovee Marie N. Dela Cruz @joveemarie

A JTI IS TOP GLOBAL EMPLOYER ANEW Japan Tobacco International (JTI)

was recently recognized as a top global employer for the seventh consecutive year, by the Top Employer Institute, the global authority on recognizing excellence in people practices, which certifies 1,691 organizations in 120 countries/regions.

The certification acknowledged JTI’s good working conditions and the progress it has made in improving well-being, diversity and inclusion. JTI Philippines general

manager John Freda (shown here at a town hall huddle with JTI PH employees) said, “Our company is committed to support the well-being of our employees, whether they are farmers, scientists, office or factory workers.” Freda, who previously held senior management positions in European and Asia Pacific markets, added, “Especially during this pandemic, we are seeing to it that everyone including their families are taken care of.” JTI is an international tobacco and vaping company with operations in more than 130 countries.

SENIOR vice chairman of the House Committee on Energy on Monday filed a resolution urging the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure that the government’s Covid-19 vaccination program will not be disrupted by power interruptions.

In House Resolution 1527, Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas asked the House Committee on Energy to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, “to identify measures that can be taken by the DOE and other concerned government agencies to ensure a stable power supply during the rollout of the mass vaccination program against Covid-19.”

“Given the importance of successfully implementing the vaccination program, the government must ensure that the vaccination program will not be disrupted by power interruptions or any other incidents that could result in power loss,” he said.

The government is eyeing the establishment of cold chain hubs across the country for easier distribution of the vaccines.

Also, Vargas said, several local government have either purchased, or intend to purchase biomedical freezers to store the vaccines.

Besides Metro Manila, Bicol, Cebu, and Zamboanga have so far been identified as areas where the hubs would be set up to facilitate distribution in the regions.

The facilities are necessary to preserve the efficacy of the vaccines.

“Any power interruption occurring during this period will affect the viability and efficacy of the Covid-19 vaccines in cold storage facilities, thus putting them to waste,” he said.

The lawmaker stressed the need for uninterrupted power supply especially as a large batch of vaccines is expected to arrive from the United States during peak electricity consumption in May. According to Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose

Manuel Romualdez, at least 56 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines from American pharmaceutical companies are expected to arrive in the Philippines by May. The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) had earlier noted a change in peak demand recently. They said that previously, only Luzon would register peak demand during the summer months.

Visayas and Mindanao, however, have been seeing peak power demands shift from the usual end-ofyear to summer.

Also, Vargas said, he filed the resolution to underscore the urgency of addressing possible power supply problems that have become frequent over the years.“It is a situation that needs to be managed efficiently and with foresight,” he said.

“The mass vaccination is a national undertaking that is as important, if not more important, than other national projects. Lives are at stake. We cannot afford to have an unreliable power grid, or any other issues that could result in power loss,” Vargas said.

News BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Groups slam magnetite mining project in Cagayan

O

VER 70 civil-society organizations and groups advocating ocean conservation have expressed opposition to the proposed offshore mining by JDVC Resources Corp. in Cagayan province.

In a position paper circulated to the media, the position paper’s signatories who call themselves “custodian of the Philippine seas” listed a number of reasons why offshore mining should not be allowed.

An offshore mining, particularly targeting magnetite sand or black sand in Cagayan, pose serious geologic hazards, they argued.

The groups were referring to the company’s approved permit for the large-scale mining of magnetite which it intends to export.

In a telephone interview on Monday, Jun Herrera, JDVC Resources Corp., and APL Consultant said environmental concerns raised by various quarters have been addressed by the company.

“We’ve already answered queries concerning their environmental concerns,” he said.

A January 29, 2021 statement issued by the JDVC and APL also quoted Herrera as stating that commercial operations of the project will push through this month as the first newly built deep-sea mining vessel capable of commercial extraction, testing, and sampling, and production of magnetite iron, has arrived in the country. Three more are expected to arrive this year.

APL insisted there’s no basis on the complaint from residents of Ballesteros, Cagayan, as well as allegations that the operation will cause damage to coral beds.

“We won’t be even mining in the waters. In the first place, our mining operation will be in the waters of Buguey and Gonzaga towns, and at a distance of over 14 kilometers. That’s more than two horizon lengths away from the shoreline,” Herrera was quoted as saying in the statement.

To be jointly undertaken by JDVC Resources Corp, a subsidiary of publicly listed company, Apollo Global Capital and food entrepreneur Frank Lao of the Choi Garden restaurant group, the project aims to extract an estimated 512 million metric tons of magnetite and other minerals. It has a mine life of up to 47 years, according to a JDVC in a statement on December 7, 2020.

Declared as the largest offshore mining project to date in the Philippines, the company said in a statement and news reports posted in its web site that JDVC’s extraction of iron ores would require siphon vessels with magnetic separator and processing apparatuses on board which would not cause any hazard to the environment.

Investments for the project estimated to reach P720 million.

Jonathan L. Mayuga

On wetlands day: Waterbird ‘census’ shows decline in migratory fowl visit to Manila Bay

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

L

ESSER migratory birds have been visiting Manila Bay, a region known to host one of the largest concentrations of migratory waterfowls in the Philippines during migration season.

This has been so in the last two years, ironically, when its waters are evidently cleaner, or at least physically—without the floating garbage near the shores.

The latest Asian Waterbird Census in Manila revealed that the January 2021 count tallied 110,000 waterbirds, and of the 60 species observed, over two-thirds are migratory birds that came from as far as Siberia and Alaska.

The result of the annual survey was released in time for the World Wetlands Day Celebration today, February 2.

Those counted are dependent on wetlands for their survival.

Asian Waterbirds Census participants in the Philippines flagged the alarming decline of nearly 20 percent since 2019, or a shortfall of 25,000 birds over just two years, the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP), which conducted the count in collaboration with Wetlands International Philippines Program and IUCN Netherlands Committee which assisted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Regions 3, 4A and National Capital Region (NCR) in the Asian Waterbird Census in Manila Bay reported.

The activity was part of the International Waterbird Count which Wetlands International coordinates globally in January every year.

First organized in 1967, the census covers over a hundred countries, making it one of the largest and longest-running biodiversity monitoring programs in the world.

The counts included the provinces of Bataan (Balanga), Pampanga (Pasac and Pampanga River), Bulacan (the coastal wetlands of Sta. Cruz, Pamarawan, Caliligawan, Bambang, and Taliptip), Cavite (Imus River mouth and Noveleta), and NCR (Valenzuela fishponds, Tanza mudflats and Parañaque Wetlands Park). In addition, a bird count was undertaken in Candaba Marsh.

Of the 60 species listed in the Manila Bay census, no less than 15 species were present in internationally important numbers, they noted.

Recorded onsite were 30,000 individuals, or almost 30 percent of the Whiskered Terns breeding in Chinese wetlands; and around 7,000 or 7 percent of the Pacific Golden Plovers, 6,000 or 5 percent Kentish Plovers, and nearly 6,000 or 6 percent Marsh Sandpipers of their respective populations found in East Asia.

“Manila Bay hosts the highest number of waterbirds of any Philippine wetlands yet it has less than 200 hectares protected and with a mountain of threats to its habitats and birds,” Arne Jensen, Wetlands International Associate Expert and WBCP records committee chairman said in a news statement.

“With 87 percent, or about 95,000 waterbirds present in Bulacan, Pampanga, and Bataan, it would not be an exaggeration to say North Manila Bay is one of the last Philippine wetlands refuges. At the shallow coastal waters, tidal flats and sandbars to man-made salt beds and fishponds, about 37,000 shorebirds and 37,000

terns were counted together with 23,000 gulls and 15,000 egrets.

Coastal fisherfolks and waterbirds alike all depend on the different types of wetlands found in the Bay,” said Jensen.

Habitat loss, population decline

THE recorded decline in the number of waterbirds since 2019 is not evenly distributed across the provinces.

Most severe is the decline of longdistance shorebirds in Bulacan and gulls in the Pampanga rivers. These mirror reductions in tidal flats as their feeding habitats.

“In contrast, there was an increase in waterbird presence by more than 100 percent representing just about 12,000 birds in NCR, mostly at the tidal mudflats in Tanza, Navotas.

However, these are now being reclaimed, signaling what is to come in Bulacan, Cavite and other areas,” said Jensen.

Without protection, further biodiversity loss can be projected in Manila Bay, Jensen observed.

Many of the waterbirds in Manila Bay are already threatened as their populations decline annually due to loss of their feeding wetland habitats across their flyway.

“In Manila Bay in the past four years alone, four of its just 10 critical wetland sites of national or international importance are being lost due to development such as airport development, reclamation and, increasingly, removal of mudflats and shallow areas as dredging has now become commercialized,” Mike Lu, president of the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, said for his part.

“The massive reclamation master plans of the Philippine Reclamation Authority, and the approach of the

FFCCCII funds review scholarships for doctors

T

HE Federation of the Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) has funded the review of at least 1,000 graduate doctors for the upcoming March Physician Licensure Examination.

This is through the program of the Dr. Carl Balita Review Center (CBRC), an ISO-certified review center with 120 branches nationwide offering various board review courses. The Philippine Hospital Association (PHA) and the Private Hospitals Association Inc. (PHAPI) have supported this undertaking.

According to FFCCCII President Henry Lim Bon Liong, the Chinese business group is glad to support this program to help bridge the passing of the board of these aspiring doctors for them to become a good human resource support to the Philippine health-care system

amid the pandemic. He is confident that through a comprehensive final coaching review program by CBRC, the aspiring doctors will make it to the board, which hopefully will be conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) as planned in March. Almost all PRC Board Examinations of professionals were canceled in 2020.

Dr. Carl Balita, president and CEO of CBRC and of the Association of Allied Health Organization of the Nation (AAHON) and HEAL Ph assured that the lineup of faculty will not only prepare doctors for the board examination but also for the medical career. Medical Luminaries like Dr. Tony Leachon, Dr. Willie Ong, Dr. Jim Sanchez, Dr.Attys. Bu Castro and Tony Rebosa are among the faculty blended with medical specialists and educators from various top medical institu-

tions and Colleges of Medicine in the country.

Joining the team are Dr. Peter Quilala, Dr. Frederick Llarena, Dr. Ricky Hipolito, Dr. Didoy Lubaton, Dr. Servillano Ritualo III, Dr. Fitizar Haron, Dr. Maria Jonnalin Santos, Dr. Jared Billena, Dr. Desiree Gonzales, Dr. Johna Mandac, Dr. Jenelyn Gomez-Sedutan, Dr. Ivy Emily Vergara, Dr. Millie San Juan, and Dr. Willie Quijencio. Classes will be conducted virtually and shall cover all salient contents of the Physicians Board Examination.

This project is a nonprofit undertaking as the scholarship by the FFCCCII covered only the faculty costs, while the other operational costs are borne on the CBRC’s social support fund. Dr. Balita expressed gratitude to the health professionals who are heroes of humanity’s fight against Covid-19.

CDC chief meets with MVP and PLDT execs for ICT, utilities, service projects

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L A R K FR EEPORT—T his free port moves another step closer to becoming a smart city, a premier aerotropolis and a preferred tourism destination as it strengthens its partnership with one of the leading telecom, service and utility providers in the region.

Setting sights on improved systems and service standards here, Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan recently met with PLDT Chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan and discussed various undertakings that will boost ICT capabilities and future-proof the free port.

Gaerlan said PLDT is one of the most important partners of the state-owned firm as it will significantly contribute in making the free

Tuesday, February 2, 2021 A5

CDC President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan (third from left) meets with PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan (fourth from left) at the latter’s office in Makati. The PLDT is one of the most important partners in Clark’s vision of becoming a modern aerotropolis, smart city and destination of choice for MICE and tourism. CDC sees the strengthening of partnership will lead to improving and future-proofing the service standards in the zone. Also present during the event are (fifth to eighth from left): Alfredo S. Panlilio, EVP and chief revenue officer of PLDT; Jovy I. Hernandez, SVP and group head enterprise business, PLDT and Smart; Chito M. Franco, CEO of PLDT ClarkTel, and Victor Y. Tria, first vice president and head of PLDT ALPHA Enterprise. Also, in the meeting are Atty.

Michael T. Toledo (left), Government Relations and Public Affairs head of Metro Pacific Investments and Dennis Legaspi (second from left), CDC chief of staff. A. GAERLAN/CDC

port a smart and technology-focused investment destination.

On top of telecom projects, the meeting also tackled other utilities such as fuel distribution in Clark.

This free port is host to Clark Telecom—a subsidiary of PLDT— which is considered as one of the leading internet and telecom services providers in Clark. The 92-year company is also in existence during the presence of American troops inside the former US Airbase.

PLDT also rolled out the very first 5G service in the country inside Clark in 2018, making the free port lay a foothold on reliable and extremely high speed with low latency Internet connection.

5G service is key in achieving IOT (Internet of things) that create smart cities.

Department of Public Works and Highways to flood mitigation that includes coastal embankment involving the provinces from Bataan to Cavite would destroy the whole ecosystem of Manila Bay. Reclamation should be stopped and the PRA and DPWH be reorganized for restoration and climate-change adaptation to support global and national policies to implement nature-based solutions that maintain the wild birds habitats while also protecting people,” added Lu. In Manila Bay, 14 species are now either near threatened or directly threatened with extinction, lost forever in the world.

The most threatened species include the iconic Black-faced Spoonbill (Platalea minor), Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes), Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa), Asian Dowicher (Limnodromus semipalmatus), and Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis).

Are wetlands wastelands?

DR. ANNADEL CABANBAN, head

of Wetlands International Philippines, said wetlands have traditionally been viewed as wastelands or sick lands, little more than breeding grounds for mosquitos, and available for coastal development and land reclamation.

“This misperception on the function of wetlands has dramatically reduced the amount and quality of habitat available to waterbirds. As the demand for water, land and food increases, wetlands have become the ecosystem most in decline in the world and the decline is worst in Asia. Counting waterbirds allows us to see whether a wetland is under threat,” said Cabanban.

“Waterbird monitoring is the foundation for managing and understanding wetlands. It has helped species and populations that were once in serious decline make remarkable recoveries in other countries, but not yet in the Philippines—that challenge and opportunity remain, to act given the inseparable connection of wetlands, water, and our well-being,” said Jensen.

BusinessMirror

A6 Tuesday, February 2, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

POSITION

8 STONE BUSINESS OUTSOURCING OPC 5-10/f Tower 1 Pitx Kennedy Road Tambo Parañaque City 1.

WEI, JIAOJIAO Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

ALLIANCE SERVICE CENTRE LIMITED-PHILIPPINE BRANCH Unit 1501-02 & 1506-10 Robinsons Equitable Tower Poveda Street Cor. Adb Avenue Ortigas Center Pasig City 2.

JURD, JEFFREY JOHN Australian

GENERAL MANAGER

AMDOCS PHILIPPINES INC. 23/f, 25th And 26th Floors Eco Tower 32nd St. Cor. 9th Ave. Bonifacio Global City Fort Bonifacio Taguig City 3.

4.

GADADE, SATISH BHAGWAN Indian PATIL, RAJESH RAJARAM Indian

TECHNOLOGIES LINE MANAGER

TECHNOLOGIES MANAGER

ANOC99 CORPORATION 5/f Ayala Malls Manila Bay Building D. Macapagal Blvd. Cor. Aseana Street Tambo Parañaque City 5.

SU, MINGWEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

CAPSLOCK INC. 7th & 8th Flr. Y Tower Bldg. Coral Way Drive Cor. Macapagal Brgy.

076 Pasay City 6.

7.

8.

CUI, ZHIGUO Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

LIN, YUHONG Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

LIU, TUANTUAN Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

NO.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS POSITION

NO.

32.

WANG, YUECHUN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

GOLDEN BIG BULL TECHNOLOGY LIMITED INC. 20 Flr Unit A-b Citybank Square Bldg. Eastwood Cyberpark Bagumbayan 3 Quezon City

33.

WEI, LIHONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

34.

WU, YOUFANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

35.

WU, FENGJIAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

XIANG, YUQIANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

38.

YU, BAOTAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

INVECH TREASURE PROCESSING CORPORATION 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th Floor Six West Campus Mckinley West Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

39.

ZHENG, SHOULI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

FUXINGYING CAIYUN HENTONG, CORP. 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th Floor Eton Ewestpod Chino Roces Avenue Cor. Yakal & Malugay Streets San Antonio Makati City 40.

HE, YUANYUAN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

41.

HUO, MINGHAO Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

42.

LAI, FEIFEI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

43.

LI, XUEYANG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

10.

LIU, YONG Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

45.

LI, SIHONG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

11.

SONG, TAO Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

46.

LI, XIUXIU Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

47.

LIANG, RISHENG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

MOUSEMUGA Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

YIN, PENG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

13.

14.

XIA, DEZHENG Chinese

PROJECT MANAGER (MANDARIN)

COUNTRYGARDEN CONSTRUCTION DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Unit 1502 15th Floor The Trade And Financial Tower 7th Ave. Cor. 32nd Street Fort Bonifacio Taguig City 15.

WANG, LEI Chinese

PROJECT MANAGER

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE CONSULTANTS INTL. CORP. 8/f Montepino Bldg. 138 Amorsolo Cor. Abelantado & Gamboa Sts. San Lorenzo Makati City 16.

KRISHNAMURTHY, UMAMAHESWARAN Indian

BUSINESS UNIT HEAD (CBG)

FLYING DRAGON NETWORK PHILIPPINES INC. 4th-11th Floor Aseana 3 Building Aseana Avenue Corner Diosdado Macapagal Tambo Parañaque City 17.

BI, FUXIAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

18.

CHEN, LIYA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

19.

FENG, JINGYING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

20.

GUO, QIANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

LI, HUANRONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

LI, SHUANG Chinese LI, XINYU Chinese LIANG, CHAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

LIAO, NING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

LIU, YANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

27.

LUO, YONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

28.

REN, SHAOLEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

29.

SHI, HONGLEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

30.

SUN, JIAFU Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

31.

WANG, HAORAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

PROJECT MANAGER FOR DITO CLOUD CORE, CLOUD RESOURCE AND WIRELESS PROJECT

37.

LI, JUN Chinese

5G TECHNICAL CONSULTANT (MANDARIN)

YANG, DEZHI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

44.

TANG, ZHONGJIE Chinese

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES PHILS. INC. U-5302, 53/f Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave., Cor., V.a. Rufino St. Bel-air Makati City

XIA, HONGJUN Chinese

CHINESE IT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

12.

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (CSR)

36.

LIU, YANG Chinese

5G TECHNICAL CONSULTANT (MANDARIN)

LI, XIANG Chinese

POSITION

66.

9.

HU, ZHIJIE Chinese

65.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

CHINA COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES PHILIPPINES CORPORATION 12/f One/neo Bldg 26th St. Cor 3rd Ave., Bgc Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

www.businessmirror.com.ph

48.

49.

GLOBALLGA BUSINESS PROCESS OUTSOURCING Ground Level, Level 2-5 Floor Silver City 4, Ortigas East Ugong Pasig City

67.

HUANG, ZHENGXIANG Chinese

QA (QUALITY ASSURANCE) SPECIALIST

68.

HUANG, MINYI Chinese

QA (QUALITY ASSURANCE) SPECIALIST

69.

QIN, NIAN Chinese

QA (QUALITY ASSURANCE) SPECIALIST

70.

YANG, JIE Chinese

QA (QUALITY ASSURANCE) SPECIALIST

JINDINGYUAN BUSINESS SUPPORT, INC. 3-9/f Filinvest Cyberzone Bldg. A, Bay City Brgy. 076 Pasay City 71.

HOANG THI TUYET Vietnamese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

JINSHENGLONG BUSINESS SUPPORT, INC. 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th Flr. Filinvest Bay City Brgy. 076 Pasay City 72.

ZHOU, QIAOYING Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

KONGANBUDDIES MARKETING INC. 48/f Lower Ground Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave. Cor. V.a.

Rufino St. Bel-air Makati City

NO.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

POSITION

96.

WEI, DANDAN Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

97.

WU, LIANGYUAN Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

98.

ZENG, CHAO Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

99.

ZENG, PENGFEI Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

100.

ZHANG, ZONGWEI Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

101.

ZHOU, TAO Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

102.

DAO THU TRANG Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

MOA CLOUDZONE CORP. 4th-11th Flr. Nexgen Tower C4 Rd. Edsa Ext. Brgy. 076 Pasay City 103.

GUO, LEI Chinese

CHINESE CALL CENTER AGENT

104.

ZHONG, LEI Chinese

CHINESE CALL CENTER AGENT

105.

AR NEIM Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

106.

BUI THI PHUONG Vietnamese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

107.

CHEN, QIANQIAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

108.

CHEN, BO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

73.

CHANDRA WIJAYA Indonesian

CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPERVISOR

109.

CHEN, HUOHUA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

74.

JEFFRY YULIUS Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

110.

DAI, GAOPING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

75.

RUDIANTO Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

111.

FANG, CHI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

76.

STEVEN Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

112.

GAN, LEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

77.

TEMMY SUGIHARTO Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

113.

GAO, HUIQUAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

78.

VISTHA Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

114.

GUO, JIAPENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

79.

WILLY KURNIAWAN Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

115.

HE, ZHICHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

MEGA-WEB TECHNOLOGIES INC. 6,7,8,9,10,11/f Met Live Bldg. Edsa Cor. Macapagal Blvd. Brgy.

076 Pasay City

116.

HLAING WIN OO Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

117.

HUANG, YONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

118.

HUANG, XIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

119.

JUANDA Indonesian

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

120.

KYAW SWAR WIN Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

50.

GAN, CHUANGXING Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

51.

HUANG, JIAN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

80.

52.

JIANG, YONG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

81.

LONG, JIANJUN Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATION SERVICE PROVIDER

53.

JUNG, HYEONTAE South Korean

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

82.

XU, JIARUI Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATION SERVICE PROVIDER

54.

LEE, DONGUK South Korean

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

83.

ZHU, JIAN Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATION SERVICE PROVIDER

121.

LI, YONGTING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

84.

ZHU, YISHENG Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATION SERVICE PROVIDER

122.

LI, JU Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

LI, HUOSHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

123.

LIONO KUSWANDI Indonesian

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

124.

LIU, YIAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

125.

LIU, PU Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

126.

LU, LIMIAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

55.

HUANG, MENGCHENG Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATION SERVICE PROVIDER

56.

LIU, FANGHUA Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

85.

GONG, FEI Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

57.

PENG, MIN Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

86.

HE, JINGJING Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

58.

WU, JIALI Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

87.

HUANG, XIANGYU Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

88.

LI, XUETAO Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

127.

59.

YIN, FEIYU Chinese

LUO, XIAONI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

LIU, MEIYAN Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

128.

SHWE SIN WIN Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

YU, JINGHU Chinese

89.

129.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

ZHOU, LEI Chinese

LIU, SHAOQIU Chinese

SIM WEI LUEN Malaysian

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

130.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

91.

LIU, ZHENG Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

SOE NAING Myanmari

131.

SONG, ZHIHUA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

92.

LYU, HAILONG Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

132.

SUN, HONGCHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

93.

MA, JUN Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

133.

SWE ZIN MYINT Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

134.

94.

RAN, QI Chinese

TONO Indonesian

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

135.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

SU, ZHANHONG Chinese

MANDARIN SPEAKING CUSTOMER RELATIONS SERVICE PROVIDER

WANG, PEILIN Chinese

136.

WANG, JIANCHUAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

60.

61.

62.

ZHU, CHONGYANG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKING

63.

ZHOU, WENQIANG Chinese

MARKETING STAFF MANDARIN SPEAKING

GOLD STANDARD SOLUTION SERVICES INC. U-1802 18/f The Peak Tower 107 L.p Leviste St. Bel-air Makati City

64.

LIU, YISHI Chinese

NETWORK OPERATION CENTER SUPPORT

90.

95.

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS NO.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

POSITION

NO.

137.

WANG, ZHI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

138.

WANG, SONGJUN Chinese

139.

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

POSITION

NO.

185.

SONG, WENMING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

186.

SONG, MAOLIN Chinese

WANG, LINJIE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

187.

140.

WANG, WENGANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

141.

WANG, SIYA Chinese

142.

ESTABLISHMENT / ADDRESS

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

POSITION

NO.

235.

UNG CHAN MUI Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

236.

VY NGOC THANH Vietnamese

SUN, XUE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

237.

VY THI SAU Vietnamese

188.

WANG, ZHENGZHONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

NEW ORIENTAL CLUB88 CORPORATION Sky Garage Bldg. Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City Tambo Parañaque City

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

189.

WANG, CHONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

238.

CHEN, RONGBO Chinese

WANG MONG LOONG Malaysian

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

190.

WANG, PEICAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

239.

143.

XIAO, JUNJIE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

191.

WANG, XINHAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

144.

XIE, ENLIU Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

192.

WANG, LECHAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

193.

145.

XIE, YUNLOU Chinese

146.

XU, RUIQING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

147.

XU, LAIBIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

YAN, CHANGHE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

YANG, LENGXUAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

150.

YE, LIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

151.

YI, SHILIN Chinese

152.

148.

149.

153.

FOREIGN NATIONAL / NATIONALITY

POSITION

277.

JIAO, BINBIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

278.

WANG, MING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

279.

ZHAO, PEIQI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

280.

DING, BING Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

281.

LI, QIANG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CHEN, GUANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

282.

LIU, BAOLIANG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

240.

CHEN, JIA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

283.

ZHOU, JINCHENG Chinese

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

241.

CHENG, DANDAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

SPEED QUALITY TECH INC. 3/f Eco Plaza Bldg. 2305 Chino Roces Ave. Extn. Magallanes Makati City

WANG, LI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

242.

LI, XIANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

284.

CHANG, KUANG-HSIN Taiwanese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST

194.

WANG, WENJUN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

243.

LI, LIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

285.

ONG WAI KUAN Malaysian

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST

195.

WU, JIALIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

244.

LIU, YALI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

286.

PHAM VAN CHIEN Vietnamese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST

196.

WU, XIYUE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

245.

LUO, PENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

287.

QIN, ZHILEI Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST

197.

XU, HAIFENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

246.

MA, XIANGYU Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

288.

TAN, YA Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST

198.

YAN, CHUANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

247.

PEI, ZONGCHAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

289.

TRUONG LE PHUONG Vietnamese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST

199.

YAN, QIANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

248.

REN, LEIBAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

290.

YOU, YINGYING Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST

200.

YIN, ZIQI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

249.

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

SHI, MAOJUN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

291.

ZHAN, GUOHUO Chinese

ZHAI, LIJIA Chinese

MANDARIN CUSTOMER SERVICE SPECIALIST

201.

YU, QIANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

250.

ZHANG, WANSHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

SU, LIANGCAI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

202.

YU, LI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

TELUS INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES, INC. Units 23/f, 31st/f - 37th/f Discovery Centre Adb Avenue, Ortigas Center San Antonio Pasig City

251.

TAO, HUAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

252.

WAN, DAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

154.

ZHANG, CHUAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

203.

ZHANG, JUNYIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

155.

ZHANG, HUILAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

204.

ZHANG, LUCHUAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

253.

WANG, KUI Chinese

156.

ZHANG, QING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

205.

ZHANG, SHUAI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

254.

WEI, XIAOMI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

157.

ZHENG, ZHIHAI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

206.

ZHANG, LAIHAI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

255.

WU, WANGSHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

158.

ZHU, QISHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

207.

ZHANG, ALEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

256.

YANG, YANCAI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

159.

ZUN PWINT WAI Myanmari

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

208.

ZHAO, HUIZE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

257.

YANG, CHENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

209.

ZHOU, MINWEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

258.

ZHANG, SONGSONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

210.

ZHU, GAOZHAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

259.

ZHANG, WENFENG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

211.

AGUSTINA Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

260.

ZHANG, DESONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

212.

ROSI Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

261.

ZHAO, XIA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

213.

SHERYL Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

262.

ZHAO, JINGWEN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

214.

WIEL LIM Indonesian

INDONESIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

263.

ZUO, GUANGXU Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE

215.

CHEAH WEI SHIEN Malaysian

MALAYSIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

264.

HUANG, ZHIDA Chinese

MYANMARI CUSTOMER SERVICE

216.

CHUI JIA SIEN Malaysian

MALAYSIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

265.

KAUNG HTET Myanmari

MYANMARI CUSTOMER SERVICE

217.

LEE SHU HUA Malaysian

MALAYSIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

266.

KHIN KHIN MYINT Myanmari

MYANMARI CUSTOMER SERVICE

218.

LIM CHEW THONG Malaysian

MALAYSIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

267.

MYINT MYAT TUN Myanmari

MYANMARI CUSTOMER SERVICE

219.

LIM ENG HUAT Malaysian

MALAYSIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

268.

PHYO MIN THAW Myanmari

MYANMARI CUSTOMER SERVICE

160.

161.

162.

163.

164.

165.

166.

167.

168.

CHANG, XIAOFENG Chinese CHEN, WENQUAN Chinese CHEN, XINLIANG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CHEN, QINGHAI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CHENG, MING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

CUI, YOUPING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

DU, HAO Chinese FAN, DONGHONG Chinese FU, YINGJIE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

169.

GAO, HUI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

170.

GE, XINGXING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

220.

TANG MIEW HUA Malaysian

MALAYSIAN CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

171.

GUAN, ZHEN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

221.

KYAW KYAW Myanmari

MYANMARI CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

GUO, ZHUCHEN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

222.

SEIN MYINT Myanmari

MYANMARI CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

173.

HU, HANGMING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

223.

CAM THANH BINH Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

174.

JU, SONG Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

224.

COONG VAN NHU Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

175.

LEI, HONGYAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

225.

DUONG THI HOAN Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

176.

LI, XIN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

226.

HA THANH HIEN Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

271.

LI, HAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

227.

HOANG MINH LUNG Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

SA RIVENDELL GLOBAL SUPPORT, INC. 2741 P. Zamora St. Brgy. 097 Pasay City

228.

NGUYEN CHAU TRINH Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

172.

177.

178.

LI, XUE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

OAMPI INC. 8/f 6780 Ayala Ave. Ayala Ave. San Lorenzo Makati City 269.

HASNOE, FARICHAD RAHIED Dutch

DUTCH CONTENT MODERATION ANALYST

OPTIMUS SYSTEM SOLUTIONS INC. 8/f Alphaland Makati Tower 3 7232 Ayala Ave. Extn. Cor. Malugay St. Bel-air Makati City 270.

TANG MEI GEE Malaysian

OPERATIONS MANAGER

PREMIER BPO, INC. 30/f Cyberone Bldg. Eastwood Cyberpark City Bagumbayan 3 Quezon City

272.

KAYANI, USMAN Pakistani

YU, BING Chinese

ASSISTANT OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

179.

LI, CHONGCAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

229.

NGUYEN THI HIEN Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

SK JAPAN AUCTION CORPORATION 37 Rmt Industrial Complex Tunasan Muntinlupa City

180.

LI, XIAOFEI Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

230.

NGUYEN THI HONG THAM Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

273.

181.

LIANG, SHASHA Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

231.

NGUYEN THI HUYEN TRANG Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

SKY DRAGON GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES CORP. # 103 Mezzanine Floor Edsa Mandaluyong City

182.

LIAO, YUANHAO Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

232.

NGUYEN THI TUYEN Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

274.

DU, LIMING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

183.

LUO, WENKAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

233.

SIU HOI NHU Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

275.

HUANG, YING Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

184.

QU, YE Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

234.

UNG CAM DUNG Vietnamese

VIETNAMESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

276.

JIA, XIAOTIAN Chinese

CHINESE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

QURESHI, UMAIR HAMEED Pakistani

A7

ADMIN ASSOCIATE

292.

TEUFACK, MARIE CHANTAL Cameroonian

FRENCH OPERATIONS CSR

293.

YEHSIFUAH MBUYE, SUBIRUS Cameroonian

FRENCH OPERATIONS CSR

294.

YUH, ADELLA WHULEWHUMEI Cameroonian

FRENCH OPERATIONS TECHNICAL SUPPORT REPRESENTATIVE

295.

YEMELE METAMBOU, JOSIAS Cameroonian

FRENCH OPERATIONS TECHNICAL SUPPORT REPRESENTATIVE III

VPC CORPORATE SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED 11/f 100 West, Sen Gil Puyat Ave. Cor. Washington St. Pio Del Pilar Makati City 296.

ZHANG, FENG Chinese

BILINGUAL ADMIN OFFICER

VTS TRAVEL AND TOURS AGENCY INC. Metrowalk Commercial Complex Meralco Ave. Ugong Pasig City 297.

CHOI, JONG YOUN South Korean

CHOI, JONG YOUN South Korean

WESTERN UNION SERVICES (PHILIPPINES) INC. 5th Floor 1024 Global Trade Center North Edsa Quezon City 298.

BENEDICT CHRISTIAN Indonesian

ASSOCIATE, AML COMPLIANCE

WISHLAND SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY INC. 28/f Techzone Condo Corp. 213 Buendia Ave. San Antonio Makati City 299.

CUI, YIHAO Chinese

CHINESE LANGUAGECUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

300.

FENG, XIUMIAO Chinese

CHINESE LANGUAGECUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

301.

JIN, MENGYAO Chinese

CHINESE LANGUAGECUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

302.

LI, SHUANG Chinese

CHINESE LANGUAGECUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

303.

LONG, ZHONGSHAN Chinese

CHINESE LANGUAGECUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

304.

WANG, YUE Chinese

CHINESE LANGUAGECUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

305.

ZHANG, SHIMENG Chinese

CHINESE LANGUAGECUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

306.

ZHU, CHUNGENG Chinese

CHINESE LANGUAGECUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

307.

ZHU, GUODONG Chinese

CHINESE LANGUAGECUSTOMER SERVICE STAFF

308.

SHU, YAO Chinese

CHINESE LANGUAGEMARKETING STAFF

XIAN ELECTRIC ENGINEERING COMPANY LIMITED PHILIPPINES BRANCH 2101-2102 Raffle Don Francisco Ortigas Center San Antonio Pasig City 309.

MOU, RUIQING Chinese

DEPUTY COUNTRY MANAGER

310.

YANG, WENBO Chinese

SITE MANAGER *Date Generated: Feb 1, 2021

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A8 Tuesday, February 2, 2021 • Editor: Angel R. Calso

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

editorial

The neighborhood bully

A

T a time when countries all over the world should be working together to contain a virus that originated from China, which has already infected over 100 million people and impoverished millions more, here comes the Chinese government passing a law that will surely cause distrust and division.

China’s new Coast Guard Law, which takes effect on February 1, authorizes its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels and destroy other countries’ structures on islands it claims. Going by its preposterous nine-dash line claim, this covers virtually everything in the South China Sea. An international arbitration tribunal invalidated China’s claim over the South China Sea in 2016. Of course, the Chinese government refuses to recognize that ruling.

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said: “While enacting a law is a sovereign prerogative, this one is a verbal threat of war to any country that defies the law.”

Failure to challenge the law “is submission to it,” Locsin said, as he filed a diplomatic protest.

China always reassures its neighbors of its peaceful intentions, but its aggressiveness in the South China Sea gives us reason to cast serious doubts on the sincerity of those intentions.

Chinese vessels have been driving away Filipino fishermen in Philippine waters for years. This new China law will institutionalize the practice. Just last week, China’s Coast Guard drove away a Filipino fishing boat in Pag-asa Island.

But why is China head-butting with the Philippines and Southeast Asian neighbors over sea issues at a time when the global death toll from the coronavirus keeps rising and countries all over the world are scrambling to get their respective economies back on track?

The last thing countries need right now is another crisis, another conflict, especially one as superfluous as a maritime dispute over a preposterous ninedash line claim.

Could it be that China is well aware of other countries’ current pandemic preoccupations and that it is seizing this crisis as an opportunity to advance its interests?

We’ve already heard our own senators warning the government that China might attempt to leverage its Covid-19 aid, in particular its vaccines supply, to secure concessions from the Philippines.

The government is trying hard not to be perceived as a wimp against China, but it is clear that bilateral diplomatic niceties alone won’t do much to prevent China’s hostile gestures.

The government must enlist stronger international and regional support through the Asean, first by putting this China Coast Guard Law and all Chinese incursions into our waters on the immediate agenda of the Asean Regional Forum (ARF), which is the region’s venue for political and security dialogues.

China is a member of the ARF, along with Japan, the United States and the European Union. China is also bound by the 2002 Asean-China Declaration of Parties in the South China Sea that is supposed to prevent claimant countries from engaging in military activities that will affect peace and stability in the region. The Asean must “cry wolf” and tell the world that China is not abiding by the DOC as well as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).

The government should also continue to file formal protests with the UN over China’s violation of Unclos.

This might give momentum to finally establishing a binding code of conduct under the DOC. The Philippines should push for stronger political solidarity with Asean on South China Sea issues. After all, four of the six countries involved in these disputes are Asean members, five if you include Indonesia, whose claimed exclusive economic zone boundary also overlaps with China’s nine-dash line.

If a bully is trying to take over your neighborhood, it’s just natural to seek the help of your neighbors to help contain that bully through persuasive group action.

The Asean is a big market for China. Perhaps the latter cannot afford to fight with its customers. Perhaps pressure from a major trading partner, which the Asean most certainly is, would make China more reasonable, responsible and amenable to finding mutually acceptable solutions to sea disputes.

And if China fails to reciprocate Asean efforts, then we would have only exposed its blatant unwillingness to negotiate in good faith and treat its neighbors with civility. We would have exposed it as the unreasonable, intimidating and controlling bully who refuses to sit down and talk sensibly with others.

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Manny B. Villar

THE Entrepreneur

T

he big contraction in the economy last year, although a foregone conclusion, is a reminder that there is a lot of work ahead for all of us in this time of pandemic. We should work our way through this health crisis starting with a strategic vaccination plan that is meant to address the root cause of the problem—the Covid-19.

The crisis won’t be resolved overnight. Two countries that have inoculated more than a quarter of their population—Israel and the United Arab Emirates—have yet to see the impact of the vaccination on virus transmission. Hopefully, they could see a rapid decline in cases in the coming weeks, so that other countries like the Philippines would have working models to follow.

Israel continues to remind its citizens to observe health protocols as the threat of Covid-19, particularly the new variants, remains.

This means we, too, should be ready to confront any surge in cases and address the virus with proven strategy, such as prevent, detect, isolate and treat, while we are waiting for the vaccine shipments to arrive.

For individuals, the proven health protocols such as social distancing, wearing of face masks and face shields outdoors, and regular washing of hands should always be observed.

Vaccination will be a long and gradual process. For a country with

about 110 million citizens spread across hundreds of islands, the Philippines faces major logistics issues.

Fortunately, the private sector is joining the government in addressing the problem.

The Villar Group, through AllHome Corp., is doing its part after signing a deal to secure additional doses of the vaccine as the country prepares for the immunization program. AllHome Corp. has signed a deal with AstraZeneca to purchase Covid-19 vaccines for its employees and for donation to the public.

My group, along with the national government, local government units and other private sector donors, will deliver 17 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to the country. As I have been writing in this column, the vaccine will not only provide protection from the virus, but will also help boost consumer confidence to go out again. It is by helping each other during this time that we can start our journey to economic recovery.

The private sector assistance will be on top of the P72.5 billion allo-

My group, along with the national government, local government units and other private sector donors, will deliver 17 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine to the country. As I have been writing in this column, the vaccine will not only provide protection from the virus, but will also help boost consumer confidence to go out again. It is by helping each other during this time that we can start our journey to economic recovery. cated by the national government to vaccinate 50 million to 60 million Filipinos. Several LGUs have announced separate budgets for their respective immunization targets. LGUs and the private sector are expected to do their part to provide vaccine doses to at least 10 million Filipinos. Experts believe that 70 million or more than half of our population of 110 million should receive the vaccines to achieve herd immunity.

The good news is that the first batch of more than a million doses is expected to arrive in February.

The arrival should cancel the option to lock down most of the country that only caused deep economic slump in 2020. Targeted restrictions, instead of a blanket lockdown, will ensure that the spread of the virus is contained, without making the whole economy pay for the cost, or else we run the risk of depleting government resources and putting millions of workers out of work again.

To ensure economic recovery, we need to focus on investing in infra-

Pump, dump, pump New York style

hort selling is a fairly simple concept. An investor borrows a stock, sells the stock, and then buys the stock back to return it to the lender. Short sellers are betting that the stock they sell will drop in price.”

In fact, this move was easy to spot even if you did not know anything about GME, short selling, or hedge funds. The trading followed a predictable pattern that I have been talking about in my seminars for 20 years that other gurus have copied. It is “Smart Money,” “Friends of Smart Money” and “Retail Money” that turn into “Sucker Money.”

Gotham. “The City that Never Sleeps.” “The Big Apple.” Two professional football and baseball teams. Landmarks known the world over. Statue of Liberty. Madison Square Garden. The Brooklyn Bridge. The New Year is not official until over a billion people watch the ball drop at Times Square. And now, home of the “squeeze of a lifetime” in the history of stock markets.

“A Short Squeeze occurs when a stock jumps sharply higher, forcing traders who had bet that its price

2018 and $8.5 billion in 2017. Even pre-Covid, GME lost $673 million in 2018 or $6.59 per share and another $470 million in 2019. Welcome to the digital download age.

Investment funds have been shorting GME since 2017 when the price was $15 to $20. But the significant move on the short side happened in January 2020 at $6 as 2019 numbers came out. The price hit $2.80 in late July. By the middle of 2020, the stock was being shorted by every fund in town to the extent that there were 50

Jennifer A. Ng Vittorio V. Vitug

Senior Editors

Creative Director Chief Photographer

Hard work still ahead of us

John Mangun

OUTSIDE THE BOX

‘S

would fall, to buy it in order to stop even greater losses.”

It’s been an incredible amount of fun watching all the trading action in the US stock market in the shares of GameStop Corp. This was the “short squeeze.”

GME is an American video game retailer with 5,500 retail stores in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Think of Datablitz and iTech as local equivalents.

Revenues in 2019 were $6.5 billion, down from $8.3 billion in

structure projects and strengthening our agriculture sector this year so that we can produce enough food for our population. The pandemic is also taking its toll on food supply in many countries.

Our GDP, meanwhile, shrank 8.3 percent in the fourth quarter, albeit an improvement from the 11.4-percent decline in the third quarter, the 16.9-percent drop in the second quarter, and the 0.7-percent dip in the first quarter.

The GDP figures, however, clearly show how travel and mobility restrictions have led to the closure of many business establishments.

The retail, tourism and construction sectors did not fare well in the pandemic. They have suffered the worst. Accommodation and food service activities plummeted 42.7 percent, construction was down 25.3 percent, and other services slumped 45.2 percent.

Hotels and resort facilities cannot operate viably amid air travel and local border restrictions. Many of these may have ceased operations.

Retail and fast-food outlets are in the same boat simply because many office workers are in their homes instead of going to their workplaces and spending in the malls.

The vaccine rollout, hopefully, will reverse this trend and put us on a solid path to economic recovery. The vaccination program should encourage the government to reopen more sectors and the private companies to increase their investments in the Philippines.

For comments, e-mail mbv.secretariat@gmail. com or visit www.mannyvillar.com.ph.

percent more shares being sold by “shorting” than there was public ownership.

As of Friday, January 29, 2021, the price was $325 after hitting a high of $483 the day before. What happened was that a huge number of big boys all got on the same side of the trade of a “bad” company with a “bad” stock that was thinly traded.

Average Daily Volume was between 3 million and 5 million shares back to the beginning of 2020 and before.

Some guy with a long-time presence on Reddit, who could easily be a trader on the PSE with an FB group, saw that the short interest— the number of shares that had been shorted—was 150 percent of the float. That means 50 percent of the shorted shares were “naked shorts” (look it up), and that is illegal.

All the “little guys finally won” and “this will change the stock market forever” are nonsense statements. This is simply a matter of someone finding an “anomaly” in the market and knowing how to See “Mangun,” A9

Opinion BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

The ease of paying taxes bill

The mad scramble for Covid-19 vaccine Manny F. Dooc

Atty. Rodel C. Unciano

TELLTALES

Tax Law for Business

A

nother tax reform that is set to change the landscape of our tax system is House Bill 7881 otherwise known as “The Ease of Paying Taxes Bill,” which was recently approved by the House Committee on Ways and Means. The bill aims to improve tax compliance by simplifying compliance procedures and enhancing the portability of tax transactions. The bill likewise seeks to strengthen the taxpayer’s bill of rights and create a Taxpayer’s Advocate Office.

One salient feature of the bill is the establishment of a reasonable criteria for classifying taxpayers, taking into consideration the taxpayer’s capacity to comply with tax rules and regulations, the amount and type of tax paid, the gross sales and/or receipts of the taxpayer, inflation, volume of business, wage and employment levels, and similar economic factors. The Secretary of Finance shall provide a classification for large and medium taxpayers and introduce additional classifications of taxpayers as may be necessary to achieve better service and tax administration.

For every classification of taxpayers, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) shall provide for a special unit to specifically cater to the needs of taxpayers under such classification. This is in recognition of the varying ability of taxpayers to settle their tax obligations. Simplified tax returns and processes shall be implemented for taxpayers not classified as medium or large.

Under the current system, the BIR actually maintains a division called the Large Taxpayers Service, specifically catering to taxpayers classified as large taxpayers as defined under the regulations.

However, as it stands now, there is practically no significant difference as regards the manner of tax administration and enforcement being applied for large taxpayers and other taxpayers not classified as such. The Ease of Paying taxes Bill seeks to simplify processes for taxpayers not classified as medium or large.

As to the registration requirements, the bill seeks to ensure that registration facilities would be available to taxpayers who are not residing in the country. The bill likewise seeks to remove the imposition of the annual registration fee currently imposed under Section 236(B) of the Tax Code. Also, under the bill, all persons who are engaged in business or practice of a profession can print receipts without a need of securing an authority to print from the BIR. As to the invoicing and accounting requirements for VATregistered taxpayers, the bill seeks to unify the requirement for VAT documentation, requiring only a VAT invoice for every sale, barter or exchange of goods or properties, lease of goods or properties, and for every sale, barter or exchange

Mangun. . .

Continued from A8

take advantage. As in the Philippines, because it is front-page news, US politicians are calling for hearings, investigations, and probes to also get their picture on the front page. All nonsense.

In fact, this move was easy to spot even if you did not know anything about GME, short selling, or hedge funds. The trading followed a predictable pattern that I have been talking about in my seminars for 20 years that other gurus have copied.

It is “Smart Money,” “Friends of Smart Money” and “Retail Money” that turn into “Sucker Money.”

With average daily volume at 8 million shares, on October 8, GME trades 13 million and is up 44 percent. The first “Smart Money.”

Ease in paying taxes coupled with guaranteed taxpayer’s rights against undue assessments will surely boost the BIR’s tax collection effort. If taxpayers find tax payments to be easy and simple, the BIR in the end will certainly find it easy as well to collect the much needed revenues. of services. Under the bill, the requirement for issuance of VAT official receipt for lease of goods or properties, and for sale, barter or exchange of services shall no longer be required.

T he bi l l l i kew ise seek s to strengthen the taxpayer’s bill of rights, in addition to the taxpayer’s rights and remedies already provided under the current Tax Code. Taxpayer’s rights that the bill intends to safeguard include the right to pay no more than the correct amount of tax, right to a fair and impartial appeal, right to timely and easy to understand information, right to quality tax education and service, right to privacy and confidentiality of information, and right to be protected and seek redress against malicious, excessive and wrongful assessments, among others.

To ensure that the rights of the taxpayers are protected, the bill seeks to establish a Taxpayer’s Advocate Office, which shall be under the supervision and control of the Department of Finance and independent from the BIR. This is consistent with the declared policy of providing a healthy environment for the taxpaying public.

Ease in paying taxes coupled with guaranteed taxpayer’s rights against undue assessments will surely boost the BIR’s tax collection effort. If taxpayers find tax payments to be easy and simple, the BIR in the end will certainly find it easy as well to collect the much needed revenues.

The author is a partner of Du-Baladad and Associates Law Offices (BDB Law), a member-firm of WTS Global.

The article is for general information only and is not intended, nor should be construed as a substitute for tax, legal or financial advice on any specific matter. Applicability of this article to any actual or particular tax or legal issue should be supported therefore by a professional study or advice. If you have any comments or questions concerning the article, you may e-mail the author at rodel.unciano@ bdblaw.com.ph or call 8403-2001 local 140.

Average volume goes back to 9 million. The second “Smart Money” is on November 30 at 31 million with the price unchanged.

January 13, 2021, volume moves to 144 million up 57 percent at $31.47 now with the “Friends” buying. With 196 million volume and a price of $65.01 (up 51 percent), the retail money starts in. Was it the “little guys” or the “suckers” buying at $483?

Can this happen on the PSE? No, Yes, and Maybe. No, because short selling is not available yet. Yes, because there are always trading anomalies. Maybe, if someone is observant and experienced enough to see and take advantage of it.

E-mail me at mangun@gmail.com. Follow me on Twitter @mangunonmarkets. PSE stock-market information and technical analysis provided by AAA Southeast Equities Inc.

Tuesday, February 2, 2021 A9

I

T is totally repulsive when a country makes a bungled response to the pandemic, particularly in acquiring and distributing the Covid vaccine. Timely and effective response spells the success or failure in dealing with any catastrophe. For instance, we have read unfortunate accounts where the Trump administration had mishandled government efforts to curtail the spread of the coronavirus and its apathy to enforce health protocols. These are man-made disasters that exacerbate the virulence of the pandemic.

The arrival of the Covid-19 vaccine is one positive development in men’s battle against the pandemic.

The bad news is that there is unequal worldwide distribution of the vaccine. While most rich countries will be able to inoculate their vulnerable population by the second quarter of 2021, and achieve the desired herd immunity before the end of the year, many poorer nations may not be able to make meaningful vaccination coverage to make an impact this year. Poor countries will lag behind since they can hardly afford the costs of providing free vaccines to their citizens. Unilateral action by well-to-do states will not make a significant impact unless the measures undertaken are worldwide. We are dealing with a global pandemic that necessitates collective action.

Any health deterioration in countries that failed to get the vaccine will be injurious to all. It’s a recipe for further disaster.

Everyone should support the global initiative to make the vaccine accessible to all. Bill Gates made the observation that there is a yawning gap between the rich and poor countries when it comes to vaccine rollout. He estimated that destitute countries suffer at least a 6- to 8-month lag behind

wealthy nations in bringing the first vaccine shots into the arms of their people. The cost of getting the volume of vaccines needed and its limited supply have caused some sense of insecurity and panic in many countries. Even the prosperous countries with deep pockets to finance the cost of the vaccines have serious concerns. The current squabble between the European Union and AstraZeneca is a case in point. Delay in the delivery of the vaccine despite agreement or commitment by the drugmaker for an earlier procurement date has upset the timetable of countries like Italy, France, Spain and Germany. Only recently, Moderna, a US-based drug company, has announced that it would reduce the shipment of vaccine doses to Canada, scheduled next month.

Delays and undersupply of vaccines will definitely be a critical blow to the vaccination program of the countries concerned. Every day of delay will cause untold deaths and sufferings to many people. If countries that can afford the vaccine are still hobbled by problems in getting them, can you imagine what logistical nightmare the cash-strapped nations face? The EU charged that the drug companies are cutting

The so-called vaccine nationalism, which may even amount to hoarding the vaccine, will only wreak havoc on the global efforts to defeat the pandemic. Focusing exclusively on one’s own interest during the time of a pandemic would be self-destructive.

supplies intended for the EU countries in order to sell doses to other nations at higher prices. Thus, the EU authorities have proposed to impose export control measures to ensure that vaccines intended for its members are not deployed outside the continent. Drugmakers based in the Eurozone shall be required to secure prior clearance before they can sell to other countries.

There is a mad scramble to vaccinate people. The race to get the supply of vaccines ahead of the others is disadvantageous to countries with fewer resources. There should be a more balanced system to ensure that every country has the opportunity to get the vaccine on time. This prompted Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization, to warn that the world was on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure because of the inequitable access to the Covid-19 vaccine.

He direly predicted that “ultimately, these actions will only prolong the pandemic, the restrictions needed to contain it, and human and economic suffering.”

The so-called vaccine nationalism, which may even amount to hoarding the vaccine, will only wreak havoc on the global efforts to defeat the pandemic. Focusing exclusively on one’s own interest during the time of a pandemic would be self-destructive. Opulent countries should rise above self-interest to optimize the scarce supply of vaccines. It’s time to outgrow the narrow insular view in favor of international efforts and cooperation. In the face of the coro-

navirus, no nation is an island and isolates itself from the rest of the suffering world. Some countries have already obtained future supplies equivalent to twice to six times the doses they actually need. That is unconscionable and immoral in the face of the difficulty of some countries to get their first dose. This should be stopped, and the excess doses should be distributed to laggard countries without vaccines. It is laudable that the WHO, in partnership with several NGOs like the Gates Foundation, has organized an effort named COVAX, to distribute vaccines to poor countries. This is a huge undertaking that needs very substantial resources. Right now, it is still underfunded but it targets to start delivering vaccines within the next two months. While the COVAX program aims to vaccinate only 20% of the population of the countries included, it will cover a sizable base upon which the host country can build upon using its meager resources. In countries where getting the vaccine poses a formidable challenge, the COVAX assistance will go a long way in initiating its vaccination program.

The vaccine is the light at the end of the tunnel. We may finally see the end of this pandemic, which has disrupted the entire world, but the return to normalcy won’t happen to all nations at the same time.

Rich countries will be at the finish line ahead of the disadvantaged countries still struggling to get the vaccine. The former will have their vulnerable population inoculated by the end of the first quarter of 2021 and hope to achieve mass immunity before the end of the year.

For poor nations, it may take another year or two before they attain the same level of success. Indigent countries face insurmountable challenges to acquire and roll out the vaccine. It is a race to survival, or death, and unfortunately, time is running out.

Deploying engineering and construction capabilities in Philippines’s renewable sector

By Ruben Camba

U

nder the expectation of a Philippine economic rebound in 2021 and considering an upcoming scenario where favorable renewable energy policies are being expedited by the Department of Energy, evidence-based design and construction capabilities along with strong risk control skills should be deployed to properly deliver the expected power generation projects in cost and schedule.

In ACCIONA, a multinational conglomerate dedicated to the development and management of infrastructure and renewable energy, we provide full Engineering, Procurement and Construction Capabilities (EPC) services from the design up to the power plant commissioning all supported by our solid track record, technical team and expertise.

Our current duly commissioned projects portfolio as EPC contractor in the renewable sector plus the relevant presence in the country (Malolos-Clark International Airport line or the 650-meter-long Cebu-Cordova cable-stayed bridge, among others) place us in a very unique position to be successful in the Philippine transition to clean energy and fulfillment of the ambitious targets established.

As some examples of our turnkey

capabilities in power generation, it is worth highlighting the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park (Phase III) in UAE, with a peak capacity of 1054 MW at project completion, our last two biomass projects in Spain, Cubillos del Sil and Curtis, each with 50 MW involving grate and CFB (Circulating Fluidized Bed) technology, respectively, or the Reynosa and Mesa la Paz wind farms in Mexico, adding 420 MW and 300

MW to the installed energy mix.

We are optimistic about this shift to renewables since the Department of Energy has already pledged to expedite to review its policies, including the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), to bring the share of renewable energy in the power generation mix to 35 percent of the total energy portfolio in 2030, with solar energy as the main driver. Also, the government is planning to introduce a Green Energy Tariff Program auction regime, aiming to allocate 2 GW of renewable energy generation capacity. Besides and irrespective of the former feed in tariff regimes and auctions, private developers are also developing large-scale projects under PPAs. Aiming to accelerate and support the implementation of a circular economy model where reusing, reducing and recycling are essential, ACCIONA can also provide its expertise in waste management solutions, being the company able to transform waste into energy, cur-

rently with three energy recovery plants under construction located in Australia and Scotland. In total, these three plants will eliminate up to 850,000 tons of urban waste per year and produce up to 619 MWh of clean electricity.

It is relevant mentioning that the investment climate could be improving since the Philippine government is planning to allow foreign investors to own 100 percent equity in renewable energy projects, re-casting the current policies where only 40 percent is granted to foreign-investorpartners. Also, certain signals on the market as the moratorium recently declared on new coal power plant projects, the allowance on foreign investors to fully own geothermal plant projects in the country and initiatives in performance-based fiscal incentives hopefully will drive private capital toward new investments in alternative sources of energy.

The author is ACCIONA’s Country Director for the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

The Netherlands has worst riots in four decades over Covid curbs

By Joost Akkermans Bloomberg Opinion

T

he Netherlands faced its worst civil unrest in four decades after a third night of rioting against a government curfew aimed at curbing the pandemic, just weeks before a national election.

Police arrested 184 people after incidents in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and smaller Dutch cities on Monday evening, news agency ANP reported. Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Monday described the disturbances as “criminal violence.”

It’s not yet clear what impact the unrest will have on elections sched-

uled for March 17. Rutte’s government resigned on Jan. 15 over a scathing report on childcare benefits, making him the head of a caretaker cabinet until a new government is formed. That process could take months. The latest opinion polls show that 53-year-old Rutte, who has enjoyed strong public support throughout the Covid-19 outbreak, is likely to stay on as premier as his VVD party consolidates its position as front-runner. In Dutch politics, the largest faction in parliament takes the lead in forming a cabinet.

Since the start of the curfew on Saturday, there have been widespread demonstrations in what a

local police union has dubbed the worst riots in four decades. People began throwing fireworks at police officers on Sunday in a protest at a square near Amsterdam’s Van Gogh museum, and images showed others looting a supermarket at Eindhoven’s main train station.

The incidents come as the country is in a lockdown, with non-essential shops, restaurants and bars closed until at least Feb. 9. The nationwide curfew was added to the government’s arsenal amid concern over new coronavirus variants that may spread more quickly.

At the same time, overall case numbers have come down in recent

weeks. The latest weekly data will be released later on Tuesday.

While some protesters seemed focused on destroying property, others voiced their opposition to what they believe is an unjust infringement of their freedom by the government.

“This has nothing to do with fighting for freedom,” Rutte said on Monday in The Hague, adding that in his view, 99 percent of the Dutch people are adhering to the rules— including the curfew.

“We are taking these measures not for the fun of it, but because we are fighting the virus and it is that virus that is taking the freedom from us at the moment,” he said.

A10 Tuesday, February 2, 2021

SENATORS MOURN LOSS OF EX-SEN. VICTOR ZIGA, ONE OF MAGNIFICENT 12

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ENATORS on Monday unanimously adopted Resolution 630 conveying “profound sympathy and sincere condolences” to the family of Senator Victor Ziga, who died on Sunday, January 31 at the age of 75.

Ziga, the son of the country’s first woman senator Tecla San Andres-Ziga, was on the first batch of senators when the Philippine Senate was restored after the 1986 Edsa revolt. He was best known for being part of the so-called “Magnificent 12” that voted against extending the Philippine-US bases treaty, thus ending over 80 years of permanent US basing in the country.

Introduced by Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Majority Leader Miguel Zubiri, the Resolution manifesting the senators’ sentiment on Ziga’s passing was adopted during Monday’s hybrid plenary session.

Senate President Sotto said: “We will miss him [Ziga] but his memory and his legacy will always remain in the halls of the Philippine Senate.”

Majority Leader Zubiri, citing the late senator’s accomplishments, recalled that Ziga was instrumental in the passage of important measures such as Republic Act (RA) 6728, or GATSPE, which provides government assistance to students and teachers in private educational institutions; Republic Act 6948, which standardizes and upgrades the benefits of military veterans and their dependents; Republic Act 6957, or the “Build-Operate-Transfer Law”; Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 199; Republic Act 7395, or the “Magna Carta of Public Health Workers”; and Republic Act 7432, granting benefits and special privileges to senior citizens.

Zubiri added that Ziga also authored and co-sponsored 295 bills and resolutions, most notable of

which was the remedial legislation requiring all primary and secondary schools to integrate the teaching of the dangers of drug dependence and drug abuse in their curriculum, and the bill prohibiting the manufacture, distribution, and sale of cigars and cigarettes without the warning “Smoking is dangerous to your health” printed on their labels, packs, cartons, or packages.

The majority leader recalled that Sen. Ziga rose to national prominence after winning a seat in the 1984 Batasang Pambansa elections at the age of 39, despite running under the opposition ticket. Zubiri added that as Assemblyman, the late Senator Ziga introduced legislation to establish the National Rehabilitation Center for drug addicts and increase the minimum monthly basic salaries of public school teachers.

During Ziga’s stint as senator, he served as chairman of the Committee of Public Works and Highways and as Vice-Chairman of the Committees on Agriculture and Food, Public Services, and Tourism, and was member of 12 other committees.

Ziga also served as a member of the Commission on Appointments and the Senate Electoral Tribunal.

Zubiri noted that even after retiring from politics, Ziga continued to serve Filipinos who have less in life by involving himself in typhoon relief operations and civic organizations such as the free Medical Eye Specialist Mission and the Medical Mission of the Philippine General Hospital.

Zubiri added: “The passing away of a great and dedicated public servant, who had established standards of excellence in and devotion to public service, is a great loss to the nation.”

Corruption index: PHL drive vs graft ‘stagnant’ since 2012

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By Cai U. Ordinario

@caiordinario

FFORTS to curb graft and corruption in the Philippines appeared “mostly stagnant” since 2012, according to Transparency International.

In the 2020 Corruption Perception Index (CPI), Transparency International ranked the Philippines 115th out of 179 countries with a score of 34 out of a perfect score of 100.

“With a score of 34, efforts to control corruption in the Philippines appear mostly stagnant since 2012. The government’s response to Covid-19 has been characterized by abusive enforcement, and major violations of human rights and media freedom,” the report said.

However, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Palace is bent on making a dent on corruption for the remainder of President Duterte’s term.

Roque said the administration’s

anti-corruption efforts are carried out by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta), the Presidential AntiCorruption Commission (PACC), and the Ombudsman.

However, Roque admitted that the Ombudsman does not have sufficient manpower to handle the “gravity of the problem.”

To help the efforts of these agencies, Roque said the President has resorted to public shaming to make of an example the corrupt in government.

“The President knows there is really a problem in this area because there seems to be no end in sight to the corruption problem,” Roque said partly in Filipino.

He added the President “is aware

that we still have a problem that’s why he said he will devote the remaining one and a half years of his term to solve the corruption problem.”

Among Southeast Asian countries, Singapore had the highest score at 85 out of 100 and ranked 3rd in the CPI along with Finland, Sweden, and Switzerland. A score of 100 indicates that an economy is “very clean” and a score of zero indicates highly corrupt.

This was followed by Brunei Darussalam which ranked 35th with a score of 60 out of 100; Malaysia, 57th with a score of 51 over 100; and Timor Leste, 86th with a score of 40 out of 100.

Other Asean countries in the CPI were Indonesia which ranked 102 with a score of 37, as well as Thailand and Vietnam which both ranked 104 with a score of 36.

Myanmar and Cambodia ranked the lowest in the Asean at 137th and 160th out of 179 economies.

Myanmar has a score of 28 out of 100 while Cambodia, 21 over 100.

The Asia Pacific region, Transparency International said, had an average score of 45. The region struggled to combat corruption and tackle the profound health

and economic impact of Covid-19, said the report.

The regional average was pulled up by New Zealand, which ranked first in the CPI along with Denmark with a score of 88.

“Covid-19 is not just a health and economic crisis. It is a corruption crisis. And one that we are currently failing to manage.

The past year has tested governments like no other in memory, and those with higher levels of corruption have been less able to meet the challenge. But even those at the top of the CPI must urgently address their role in perpetuating corruption at home and abroad, Transparency International Chair Delia Ferreira Rubio said.

The Corruption Perceptions Index ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, according to experts and business people.

The 2020 CPI report highlights the impact of corruption on government responses to Covid-19, compar ing countr ies’ per formance in the index to their investment in health care and the extent to which democratic norms and institutions have been weakened during the pandemic.

Butch Fernandez

PCSO ’20 revenues down 58% to ₧18.6B

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

T

@BNicolasBM

HE Phi lippine Char it y Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) suffered a nearly 58 percent drop in its total revenues last year as its games were halted during the imposition of lockdown measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.

In a press conference on Monday, PCSO Vice Chairman and General Manager Royina M. Garma said its revenues last year plunged to P18.63 billion from P44.03 billion in 2019.

“PCSO’s fund generation activities last year were severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions imposed,” Garma said.

PCSO experienced loss of revenues from April 1 to June 30 due to the pandemic.

While PCSO was later allowed to resume its games in areas under General Community Quarantine and Modified General Community Quarantine back in July, Garma said the threat of Covid-19 was still very much present.

Broken down, PCSO last year generated P6.8 billion from Lotto, P5.7 billion from Small Town Lottery, P5.1 billion from Digit Games, P407 million from Keno and P522 million from Instant Sweepstakes.

Despite the decline in revenues, PCSO was able to provide more than P2.85 billion for its programs.

Of the total sales generated

by PCSO, P1.8 billion went to its Medical Access Program focused on chemotherapy, dialysis, hospitalization, hemophilia and postoperation treatments.

The agency also raised P524.4 million for the Calamity Assistance

Program to help the victims of Taal Volcano eruption and typhoons Quinta, Rolly, Ulysses and those who were hospitalized and rendered jobless because of Covid-19.

On top of this, PCSO also expedited the donation of Patient Transport Vehicles worth P387.5 million to 294 local government units and government offices to facilitate the transportation of Covid-19 victims to quarantine facilities.

Likewise, medical equipment worth P70 million was also donated to six government hospitals for accommodating Covid-19 patients and other illnesses as well.

More than P211 million was also released to various LGUs and government offices as they are entitled to receive a portion from the total sales produced by all PCSO game outlets located in their respective areas.

Further, PCSO also extended a total of P21.73 million in assistance to indigents and marginalized communities and those who suffered from calamities.

As part of its mandatory contributions, PCSO last year gave a combined total of P839.9 million to Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Commission on Higher Education, Dangerous Drugs Board, Philippine Sports Commission and the National Council on Disability Affairs.

However, Garma said they were not able to contribute to the other agencies, including Philippine Red Cross, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, and the Quezon Institute due to financial constraints caused by the suspension of its six-digit games.

PCSO General Manager Royina Garma briefs reporters on Monday, February 1, 2021 during the press conference on the 2020 PCSO Accomplishment Report held at the PCSO head office in Mandaluyong City. NONOY LACZA)

PHL strikes prudent tone on Myanmar’s coup

By Recto Mercene

F

@rectomercene

OREIGN Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr. on Monday struck a cautious tone, counseling those following the latest developments in Myanmar, where a coup was reported, and Aung San Suu Kyi was detained: “Before reacting, let’s watch and see for ourselves. Don’t depend on Western narratives.”

On Twitter, Locsin wrote: “Report from Myanmar indicates a chess move but not a coup on the party of the MDS; the CIC committed to respect the 2008 Constitution which respects military role.

We’re not depending on Western narratives. Last time world did, Libya ended up in pieces picked up

by Western powers.”

A netizen then posted this tweet: “Philippines foreign minister takes a nuanced view of the #myanmar developments, unlike Australia or the US; likens it to a chess move more than a coup.”

Secretary Locsin pointed out, “Myanmar is a rich country that interested parties insist is crying for the division of its spoils among them.”

He added: “I told Suu Kyi when I visited her that, above all, save your country from being broken up by well-wishing vultures.”

The DFA chief has for decades been a known admirer of Suu Kyi, and had hosted her when she attended the 2017 Apec meeting.

On Monday, Locsin expressed hope the latest military move “is for her and her democratic project’s protection; it’s happened; the military can also close ranks for that.”

The country’s highest diplomat compared Suu Kyi with India’s Mahatma Gandhi and former President Corazon Aquino as icons of democracy.

“I don’t know, but she remains with Gandhi and Corazon Aquino [as] one of the few world icons of democracy. She just had to work

with what she had.”

T here a re 1, 273 Fi l ipi nos in Myanmar, and majority of them work in the manufacturing industry as supervisors in textiles, cigarettes and other factories, while a number also work for the UN agencies and other international organizations there, the DFA said.

The DFA added the embassy in Myanmar is reaching out to Filipinos in that country through Filipino community networks.

“At the moment, situation in Yangon and Mandalay seems stable, apart from Covid restrictions and mobile lines being down.

Continued on A2

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Companies BusinessMirror

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

B1

ACEN raising funds to build more solar, wind facilities

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By Lorenz S. Marasigan

@lorenzmarasigan

he power generation arm of Ayala Corp. is raising as much as P30 billion in fresh funding this year partly to build more renewable energy (RE) facilities in the country.

Eric T. Francia, the president of AC Energy Corp. (ACEN), said in a media briefing that the amount will be used to develop more wind and solar renewables this year in a bid to accelerate its goal of becoming the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia.

“I would expect that between the

capital raising—the SRO private placement and the FOO—that’s a significant amount of cash that we will be raising that could reach maybe up to P30 billion of cash infusion this year,” he said, referring to the company’s stock rights offering and its follow-on offering initiatives.

The company raised more than

P5.37 billion from its SRO on Friday, amounting to 2.27 billion shares sold at P2.37 apiece.

Francia noted that his group will be using the proceeds of its capitalraising activities to expand its renewables footprint, which is currently at “close to 500MW.” “We plan to add another 500 MW. Hopefully we can hit 1,000 MW of renewables in the Philippines alone.

This will be funded through all these capital raise that we are doing. Now that close to P30 billion of capital raise will be able to fund much more than 500 MW of renewables. This is going to represent advanced funding for our projects,” he said.

Francia said the projects for this year would be for solar and wind farms. “We haven’t finalized all the contracts yet, but a good estimate of

that I think, 1/3 of that will be wind farm and 2/3 would be solar,” he said.

Francia added that his group is also pursuing RE projects in Australia, India, and Vietnam.

“We’ve set out a RE target of 5 gigawatt [GW] by 2025. Given that trajectory, we hope to exceed 5GW, as we expect to be in the 2.5GW mark between the Philippines and international platform this year,” he said.

ACEN plans to be the largest listed renewables platform in Southeast Asia by 2025, and is now in the early stages of planning for the five years beyond that period.

“We will most likely set our sights already for 2030, but we’re still calibrating the right level of RE,” he said.

“All this is in line with our aspiration to be the largest RE platform in Southeast Asia.”

‘Consumers to demand data privacy’

By Elijah Felice E. Rosales @alyasjah

D

ata privacy will play a crucial role in shaping the new normal, as governments and firms need to collect information from consumers for security concerns, according to an antivirus provider.

Moscow-based Kaspersky on Monday said data privacy will be a primordial of concern for many citizens in the new normal. As to why, the firm attributed it to the transition to digital transactions during the Covid-19 pandemic which forced governments to enforce lockdowns and, in turn, shut down commercial establishments.

In the new normal, private en-

Cebu Pacific unveils new baggage policy

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tarting February 1, the country’s leading low cost carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) will set a size limit for check-in baggage at 39 inches.

“Luggage with this dimension will be easier to fit in the conveyor belt, and will in turn, result in smoother operations, making the journey faster and more convenient for all passengers,” the airline said in a statement.

Guests checking in baggage that exceed the 39” limit on any one side will be classified as an oversized bag, and will be charged P800 for domestic flights, and P1,300 for international flights.

This additional fee is brought about by the manual process required to transport the bag to the baggage loading area. Some examples of oversized baggage are music equipment, motorcycles, and televisions.

CEB reminds passengers to properly pack their bags according to their availed prepaid baggage allowance to avoid any other additional fees at the airport.

Last month CEB introduced COVID Protect, its newest add-on to CEB Travelsure, to give travelers peace of mind when flying during this time.

This upgrade, which will cover Covidrelated hospitalization and treatments, is timely as the carrier aims to provide more passenger options as it prioritizes passengers’ health and safety.

With COVID Protect, guests traveling who test positive for Covid-19 will get up to P1 million coverage for hospitalization and medical expenses. This upgrade to the airline’s comprehensive travel insurance plan may be availed by all passengers flying to and from all of CEB’s domestic and international destinations for as low as P270. Recto L. Mercene

terprises are seen to collect data of different sorts from customers, while the government responds to this by coming out with new rules and regulations.

Further, consumers will begin to appreciate the importance of data privacy in their daily lives. It will become an asset that some people may even be willing to pay just to get it, Kaspersky said.

“Consumer privacy is going to be a value proposition and will, in most cases, cost money,” the Russian firm said.

“Increased data gathering during the pandemic, and growing political turmoil that crossed into digital platforms, have combined to yield rapid growth in public awareness of unfettered data col-

lection. As more users look to preserve their privacy, organizations are responding by offering privacy focused products—the number and diversity of which is set to grow.”

Kaspersky cited as example the data gathered by fitness trackers downloaded in phones, that collects blood pressure and heart activity, which to some health service providers may be useful in promoting their products.

The company said the shift to digital transactions and its consequential effect on data privacy will make governments “jealous” of the private sector. Authorities know these data sets can be used in, say, fighting child abuse, fixing city traffic and silencing dissent.

However, as private enterprises rarely share their data even with the state, governments may be forced to apply new regulatory measures on online privacy.

Data firms, for their part, may find themselves employing fresh ways on how to source data from consumers. Kaspersky projected a rise in the use of data driven behavioral analytics, in which the firms will exploit information they have collected to influence the way people think and live.

In the Philippines, for one, private firms are required to collect personal information of buyers for contact tracing purposes and, as such, are privileged to know their customers’ personal details, including home address and contact number.

Aboitiz embraces data science, AI

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he Aboitiz Group said it is fully embracing the use of digital technology, pushing for further innovation, a change in the way that it operates its various businesses through the use of data-driven solutions and artificial intelligence (AI).

For a hundred year-old company that has witnessed how technology has progressed from the beginning of the 20th century to what it is today, Aboitiz said it has no plans on stopping.

“Data Science and Artificial Intelligence [DSAI] are transformative capabilities that will accelerate the Aboitiz Group’s productivity, drive business value, and open up new revenue streams,” Aboitiz Group president and CEO Sabin M. Aboitiz said.

A strong advocate of innovation, Aboitiz believes that DSAI will become a permanent aspect of the business landscape of each of the conglomerate’s strategic business units (BU), to develop and support its business models and decision-making capabilities.

Aboitiz also recognizes the potential of the data science workforce as it reorganized its DSAI talents across the group. “This new structure helps create a better alignment of standards, processes, and policies, within the Group and, at the same time, moves us closer to our DSAI ambitions by nurturing our Aboitiz talent through experience and exposure in our different businesses.”

The company formed working groups on Data Governance, Data Science, and Innovation, which will serve as avenues for alignment, consultation, and discus-

Contributed Photo

sions to maximize and optimize the reuse of DSAI solutions, knowledge, and source sharing among SBUs. At its helm is global data science expert Dr. David R. Hardoon, UnionBank Senior Advisor for Data and AI and Aboitiz Group Data Committee Chairman.

“DSAI is a core differentiator enabling organisations to flourish digitally. Our focus within the Group is to innovate and systematically operationalise DSAI benefits for all BUs in areas such as customer engagement, operations and in materialising ESG [Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance] goals, ” Hardoon said.

Aboitiz banking subsidiar y Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) pioneered in leveraging DSAI in banking solutions as part of its digital transformation. The bank saw a surge in digital banking transactions over the years due to evolving consumer behavior. And with the lockdowns brought about by the pandemic,

consumers were forced to embrace digital banking.

In 2019, UnionBank encouraged aspiring data scientists to elevate the profession with the launch of its own Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Institute, which is aimed at producing and nurturing big data professionals to help usher innovations at the bank.

To date, more than 65 future data scientists are part of a learning program that covers data processing, programming visualization, analysis and mining, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

PETNET, a financial services unit under UnionBank, has one goal in mind: ensure that team members are data-driven and analytically capable in running the business. Hence, the company formed a Data Analytics team which will help in reading trends and drawing insights to make data-driven and informed decisions to provide better customer service.

Magnetite mining project in Cagayan to start soon

By VG Cabuag @villygc

A

unit of Apollo Global Capital Inc. on Monday said it has already spent some P900 million to jumpstart the commercial operations of the country’s first offshore magnetite iron mining in Cagayan by the end of the month.

The said project will be carried out by JDVC Resources Corp., Jun Herrrera, the company’s mining consultant said.

He said the newly built deep sea mining vessel has arrived in Cagayan and is currently taking shelter due to strong waves. It will start its mining operations as soon as the ocean swell subsides, possibly before end of the month.

“The first vessel has arrived and three more vessels are expected to arrive this year,” Herrera said.

The vessel is capable of commercial extraction, testing and sampling and production of magnetite iron.

The company said it has assured the government that there will be minimal impact on the sea environment as studies conducted by a Singapore-based survey company showed that there was no coral or aquamarine life within the mining area, which is 150 meters below sea level. (See related story on A5, "Groups oppose offshore magnetite mining project in Cagayan province.")

“We can only go down to 150 meters with current technology.

From the experience of coun-

tries like Indonesia, Japan and New Zealand, magnetite iron is known to be toxic to corals, fish and other aquamarine life,” Apollo Global said, adding that the study did not look at magnetite iron reserves in the area.

Herrera said the mining project, located in the municipalities of Aparri, Buguey and Gonzaga, in Cagayan province is proceeding as planned since it has already received funding from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

DBP granted an $8-million credit line for the JDVC magnetite iron mining project, which it has proven to the bank that the project is environmentally safe, Herrera said.

He said the company still has to draw from the said credit line and the project is internally funded by its shareholders.

Apollo Global, formerly Yehey!

Corp, was incorporated on June 10, 1998 at the height of the technology bubble that also burst in the US in the late 90s.

In 2014, Vantage Equities Inc. owned is 66.95 percent of Apollo Global.

On October 15, 2015, Yehey ceased to be a majority-owned subsidiary of Vantage when the company sold its shares to a group of individual shareholders.

In October 2016, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved the company’s name change as it winded down its digital marketing operations and the shift in primary purpose to that of a holding company.

B2

Companies BusinessMirror

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

PSE STOCK QUOTATIONS

February 1, 2021

Net Foreign Bid Ask Open High Low Close Volume Value Trade (Peso) Stocks Buy (Sell) FINANCIALs

ASIA UNITED BDO UNIBANK BANK PH ISLANDS CHINABANK CITYSTATE BANK EAST WEST BANK METROBANK PB BANK PBCOM PHIL NATL BANK PSBANK RCBC SECURITY BANK UNION BANK BRIGHT KINDLE COL FINANCIAL FERRONOUX HLDG IREMIT MEDCO HLDG NTL REINSURANCE PHIL STOCK EXCH VANTAGE

43.15 103.1 83.1 24.3 7.59 9.8 46.9 10.76 20.45 25.8 55.4 17.5 128.3 74.7 0.91 3.67 3.4 1.43 0.38 0.66 151 1.05

43.75 104 83.2 24.45 8.48 9.82 46.95 11.46 22.15 26 55.5 17.56 128.5 74.85 0.94 3.71 3.41 1.52 0.395 0.67 153.9 1.08

43.5 100.7 80 24.2 7.48 9.78 45 10.72 20.1 25.55 55.9 17.66 127 71.8 0.92 3.78 3.38 1.55 0.42 0.72 153.5 1.05

43.5 104.3 83.2 24.55 8.48 9.84 47 11.46 22.15 26.3 55.9 17.66 129.4 75 0.94 3.78 3.5 1.58 0.42 0.72 154 1.05

43.5 100.2 80 24.2 7.48 9.75 45 10.72 20.1 25.55 55.4 17.46 126 71.8 0.91 3.65 3.38 1.43 0.395 0.65 150.8 1.05

43.5 104 83.2 24.3 8.48 9.8 46.9 11.46 20.4 25.8 55.5 17.5 128.5 74.85 0.94 3.71 3.41 1.43 0.395 0.67 151 1.05

3,700 160,950 3,405,560 350,231,828 3,240,300 267,058,833.50 40,000 972,550 1,600 12,469 526,900 5,163,072 3,236,500 150,541,715 6,300 67,872 3,900 78,795 187,300 4,877,065 12,650 703,748 23,600 414,646 472,580 60,810,429 78,410 5,802,841.50 25,000 22,990 398,000 1,473,950 64,000 219,930 344,000 506,420 140,000 57,300 1,927,000 1,291,920 2,070 317,483 224,000 235,200

-160,950 -101,862,223 -22,986,796 -650,545 -3,056,500.00 -29,480,060 -1,123,865 -457,408.50 -150,060 -28,459,725 -265,028 -222,970 -130,120 -219,890 -392,000.00 -206,385 224,700

INDUSTRIAL AC ENERGY 6.67 6.68 6.42 6.75 6.1 6.68 72,802,300 474,414,232 ALSONS CONS 1.28 1.29 1.28 1.3 1.26 1.29 1,501,000 1,913,710 24.95 25 24.6 25.25 24.5 25 3,425,200 85,694,860 ABOITIZ POWER BASIC ENERGY 1.09 1.1 1.05 1.12 1.04 1.1 241,479,000 261,383,020 30 30.1 29.8 30.95 29.8 30 956,400 28,691,915 FIRST GEN FIRST PHIL HLDG 75.55 75.6 76.1 77.85 75.4 75.55 40,700 3,072,178 275 276.8 268 278 268 276.8 366,570 100,977,534 MERALCO MANILA WATER 14.7 14.8 14.4 14.9 14.4 14.7 469,700 6,889,726 PETRON 3.5 3.53 3.54 3.54 3.48 3.53 1,006,000 3,528,860 3.66 3.68 3.65 3.74 3.65 3.65 277,000 1,016,820 PETROENERGY PHX PETROLEUM 11.5 12.06 11.68 12.06 11.24 12.06 76,500 904,158 20.05 20.1 20.2 20.3 20 20.05 208,200 4,188,100 PILIPINAS SHELL SPC POWER 9.88 9.9 9.95 9.95 9.86 9.9 85,000 840,877 7.37 7.4 7.36 8.1 7.3 7.4 1,551,200 11,856,938 AGRINURTURE AXELUM 3.2 3.25 3.1 3.25 3 3.2 4,110,000 12,838,850 CNTRL AZUCARERA 13.88 14.5 13.48 14.5 13.48 13.88 10,600 148,334 17.38 17.9 17.5 17.9 17.2 17.9 1,019,600 17,909,352 CENTURY FOOD DEL MONTE 8.75 8.8 8.35 8.75 8.3 8.75 328,400 2,778,800 6.8 6.84 6.8 6.85 6.73 6.8 956,300 6,505,961 DNL INDUS EMPERADOR 9.96 10 9.99 10 9.9 10 550,500 5,495,932 66.8 67.95 67.25 67.95 66.55 67.95 65,160 4,379,204.50 SMC FOODANDBEV ALLIANCE SELECT 0.63 0.65 0.65 0.65 0.63 0.63 345,000 217,370 FRUITAS HLDG 1.48 1.49 1.43 1.54 1.41 1.49 18,765,000 27,714,990 57 58 56.5 59.1 55.1 58 111,110 6,346,053.50 GINEBRA JOLLIBEE 178.8 178.9 177.7 179 177 178.8 604,180 107,593,805 32.7 33 32 33 32 33 1,200 38,900 LIBERTY FLOUR MACAY HLDG 7.68 8.21 8.23 8.23 8.23 8.23 400 3,292 6.49 6.5 6.25 6.5 6.25 6.49 324,200 2,081,061 MAXS GROUP MG HLDG 0.315 0.32 0.32 0.335 0.305 0.315 9,960,000 3,161,950 SHAKEYS PIZZA 6.85 6.96 6.8 6.85 6.8 6.85 1,963,300 13,351,427 1.12 1.13 1.13 1.14 1.1 1.13 1,382,000 1,555,220 ROXAS AND CO RFM CORP 4.75 4.77 4.77 4.77 4.75 4.75 21,000 99,850 0.135 0.138 0.131 0.135 0.131 0.135 1,130,000 151,930 SWIFT FOODS UNIV ROBINA 138 138.8 135.5 139.8 135.2 138 1,379,470 190,968,351 0.88 0.89 0.89 0.89 0.86 0.89 1,757,000 1,537,080 VITARICH CONCRETE A 51.7 52.9 51.35 51.7 51.1 51.7 1,790 91,583.50 CONCRETE B 55.2 56 55.1 56 55.1 55.15 340 18,919 1.36 1.37 1.34 1.38 1.31 1.36 2,425,000 3,263,590 CEMEX HLDG DAVINCI CAPITAL 5.86 5.92 6.03 6.03 5.86 5.9 211,800 1,247,192 13.7 13.88 13.98 13.98 13.7 13.88 27,400 380,294 EAGLE CEMENT EEI CORP 7.15 7.2 7.25 7.25 7.11 7.2 248,400 1,785,113 6.05 6.1 5.99 6.18 5.96 6.1 305,700 1,844,599 HOLCIM MEGAWIDE 7.05 7.09 7.12 7.12 7.02 7.05 978,700 6,914,918 PHINMA 9.8 9.9 9.8 9.9 9.8 9.9 47,100 461,780 1.16 1.17 1.14 1.22 1.12 1.17 991,000 1,152,130 TKC METALS VULCAN INDL 1.94 1.95 1.9 2.07 1.86 1.95 29,970,000 58,581,560 1.81 1.85 1.8 1.9 1.8 1.85 121,000 224,480 CROWN ASIA EUROMED 2.15 2.19 2.15 2.2 2.14 2.18 200,000 432,030 5.41 5.55 6 6.6 5.3 5.41 2,707,500 16,151,608 PRYCE CORP CONCEPCION 20.1 20.35 20.5 20.5 20 20.1 18,300 369,685 2.77 2.8 2.97 2.97 2.77 2.77 11,103,000 31,449,780 GREENERGY 13 13.1 12.82 13 12 13 3,540,500 44,214,556 INTEGRATED MICR IONICS 1.19 1.21 1.17 1.23 1.15 1.21 803,000 956,040 5.78 6.44 5.61 6 5.61 6 12,700 74,725 PANASONIC SFA SEMICON 1.47 1.5 1.5 1.55 1.44 1.47 5,010,000 7,400,730 7.28 7.29 7.31 7.35 7.01 7.28 7,248,100 52,252,121 CIRTEK HLDG

-27,198,140 -19,200 -28,347,540 -354,790 2,066,760 -1,426,660.50 -15,011,070 741,796 -774,540 209,390 -36,268 -2,141,605 14,878 -2,157,976 -116,440 -3,028,204 -3,839,831 57,000 -1,797,451 -135,690 3,088,142 -60,124,541 510,684.00 -146,100 -12,661,017 -11,500 -79,007,818 6,880 50,140 2,796 -1,438 -165,687 -1,035,633 1,915,370 105,780 10,950 128,701 -288,995 -209,590 8,480,358 351,060 -1,246,863

HOLDING & FRIMS ABACORE CAPITAL 1.35 - 1.16 1.35 1.03 1.35 572,709,000 715,924,930 ASIABEST GROUP 8.12 8.53 8.03 8.69 8.03 8.58 1,900 15,882 761.5 770 776 784 761.5 761.5 390,490 302,054,945 AYALA CORP ABOITIZ EQUITY 40.8 40.9 40.05 41.8 40 40.8 2,456,600 100,181,215 9.82 9.9 9.89 9.9 9.67 9.9 1,263,300 12,425,950 ALLIANCE GLOBAL AYALA LAND LOG 2.74 2.75 2.75 2.75 2.67 2.74 1,405,000 3,821,380 6.95 6.98 6.6 6.95 6.6 6.95 77,600 539,103 ANSCOR ANGLO PHIL HLDG 0.79 0.8 0.78 0.81 0.74 0.79 3,241,000 2,542,590 ATN HLDG A 0.85 0.86 0.89 0.89 0.83 0.85 4,792,000 4,043,530 0.85 0.89 0.88 0.89 0.83 0.89 297,000 255,420 ATN HLDG B COSCO CAPITAL 5 5.12 5.1 5.12 4.99 5.12 2,144,500 10,786,552 5.19 5.21 5.11 5.24 5.11 5.19 2,861,600 14,840,767 DMCI HLDG FILINVEST DEV 8.54 9.06 8.52 8.55 8.52 8.52 3,800 32,379 0.225 0.243 0.224 0.224 0.224 0.224 450,000 100,800 FORUM PACIFIC GT CAPITAL 535 537 528 539.5 523 537 257,550 137,611,335 HOUSE OF INV 3.5 3.79 3.85 3.85 3.8 3.8 8,000 30,550 64.4 64.55 62 64.75 61.95 64.55 5,445,710 349,907,969.50 JG SUMMIT LODESTAR 1.38 1.39 1.46 1.93 1.39 1.39 304,040,000 485,080,590 3.72 3.73 3.72 3.73 3.72 3.72 80,000 297,840 LOPEZ HLDG LT GROUP 13.44 13.46 13.2 13.44 13 13.44 1,313,700 17,506,504 0.52 0.55 0.55 0.55 0.52 0.55 5,000 2,720 MABUHAY HLDG MJC INVESTMENTS 1.77 2.03 2.04 2.04 2.03 2.03 59,000 119,810 METRO PAC INV 4.08 4.09 4.04 4.15 4.04 4.08 25,587,000 104,381,350 5.25 5.43 5 5.5 5 5.43 257,400 1,369,218 PACIFICA HLDG PRIME MEDIA 0.84 0.89 0.85 0.85 0.84 0.84 48,000 40,340 2.76 2.95 2.76 2.76 2.76 2.76 1,000 2,760 REPUBLIC GLASS SOLID GROUP 1.12 1.15 1.2 1.2 1.12 1.12 203,000 229,920 311 340 312 312 312 312 60 18,720 SYNERGY GRID SM INVESTMENTS 1,005 1,007 981 1,005 976 1,005 404,390 401,803,140 SAN MIGUEL CORP 122.8 123 122 122.8 121 122.8 177,220 21,639,117 0.76 0.82 0.8 0.84 0.8 0.84 2,000 1,640 SOC RESOURCES SEAFRONT RES 2.33 2.59 2.33 2.63 2.33 2.59 192,000 478,220 140 145 137.5 145.2 135.1 140 29,680 4,169,537 TOP FRONTIER WELLEX INDUS 0.222 0.236 0.237 0.237 0.218 0.236 1,130,000 250,390 0.219 0.224 0.23 0.23 0.214 0.224 910,000 198,860 ZEUS HLDG

-3,990,730.00 -86,733,235 -76,776,510.00 -2,686,591 77,870 523,813 -79,320 -96,020 507,942 -7,267,795 17,895 -10,839,445 -34,583,666.50 -478,350 -85,800 -1,016,578 -67,098,840 -73,950 -198,793,945 2,387,568 -1,016,410 -

PROPERTY ARTHALAND CORP 0.67 0.69 0.69 0.69 0.66 0.67 1,295,000 866,420 AYALA LAND 39 39.3 37.5 39.3 36.85 39.3 8,429,400 325,375,645 1.34 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.35 47,000 63,450 ARANETA PROP AREIT RT 32 32.1 32 32.05 31.95 32 1,778,200 56,909,245 1.61 1.62 1.58 1.62 1.54 1.61 61,000 98,180 BELLE CORP A BROWN 0.88 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.86 0.9 2,500,000 2,194,870 0.78 0.8 0.78 0.8 0.78 0.8 2,000 1,580 CITYLAND DEVT CROWN EQUITIES 0.146 0.152 0.154 0.154 0.145 0.146 1,220,000 177,790 CEBU HLDG 5.64 5.87 5.64 5.87 5.64 5.87 39,000 219,983 4.98 5 4.9 5.09 4.9 5 397,000 1,984,310 CEB LANDMASTERS CENTURY PROP 0.415 0.425 0.41 0.43 0.4 0.425 22,160,000 9,252,350 0.34 0.35 0.335 0.35 0.33 0.35 920,000 311,200 CYBER BAY DOUBLEDRAGON 14.2 14.22 14.3 14.3 14 14.2 1,105,000 15,639,242 6.94 6.98 6.92 7.12 6.92 6.94 34,300 239,251 DM WENCESLAO EMPIRE EAST 0.29 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.295 0.3 810,000 240,350 EVER GOTESCO 0.086 0.089 0.088 0.088 0.086 0.088 400,000 35,120 1.1 1.12 1.11 1.12 1.1 1.12 5,389,000 5,974,440 FILINVEST LAND GLOBAL ESTATE 0.85 0.88 0.85 0.85 0.85 0.85 123,000 104,550 7.32 7.4 7.5 7.5 7.31 7.31 7,500 54,958 8990 HLDG PHIL INFRADEV 1.29 1.3 1.28 1.31 1.28 1.29 1,626,000 2,090,320 0.68 0.72 0.68 0.68 0.68 0.68 20,000 13,600 CITY AND LAND MEGAWORLD 3.75 3.88 3.78 3.88 3.7 3.88 19,549,000 74,212,150 MRC ALLIED 0.495 0.5 0.485 0.53 0.485 0.495 125,630,000 63,090,550 0.42 0.425 0.4 0.42 0.4 0.42 2,610,000 1,089,900 PHIL ESTATES PRIMEX CORP 1.27 1.29 1.38 1.38 1.24 1.27 144,000 183,200 19.1 19.2 18.98 19.3 18.64 19.1 4,000,100 76,159,564 ROBINSONS LAND PHIL REALTY 0.28 0.29 0.3 0.3 0.28 0.28 620,000 177,900 1.5 1.52 1.5 1.56 1.5 1.5 322,000 483,720 ROCKWELL SHANG PROP 2.51 2.67 2.57 2.67 2.5 2.67 197,000 499,350 STA LUCIA LAND 2.07 2.16 2.17 2.17 2.05 2.17 314,000 657,920 37.4 37.55 35.3 37.55 35.3 37.55 10,663,700 385,399,215 SM PRIME HLDG VISTAMALLS 3.93 4 4.01 4.1 4 4 56,000 225,360 1.72 1.73 1.68 1.72 1.61 1.72 1,058,000 1,792,170 SUNTRUST HOME VISTA LAND 4.31 4.33 4.15 4.31 4.02 4.31 2,527,000 10,669,990

-44,220,680 -5,780,730 1,540 93,400 -187,090 -292,450 -1,546,548 95,100 843,180 3,000 2,580 -34,107,210 739,150 2,500 -43,759,684 267,620 75,600 -198,870,055 1,910 -5,838,920

SERVICES ABS CBN 12.5 12.6 12.6 12.6 12.22 12.5 164,100 2,032,766 GMA NETWORK 5.96 5.98 5.95 6.02 5.9 5.98 453,500 2,702,699 0.455 0.46 0.45 0.48 0.45 0.46 360,000 167,600 MANILA BULLETIN GLOBE TELECOM 2,000 2,020 1,985 2,020 1,984 2,020 36,260 72,644,325 1,400 1,406 1,381 1,437 1,360 1,406 305,020 425,745,710 PLDT APOLLO GLOBAL 0.217 0.218 0.229 0.238 0.206 0.217 4,531,010,000 1,000,555,390 16 16.04 15.52 16.1 15.52 16 8,327,900 132,964,184 CONVERGE DFNN INC 4.97 4.99 5 5.05 4.91 4.97 1,175,700 5,837,809 DITO CME HLDG 12.5 12.52 12 12.6 11.9 12.5 39,949,800 495,557,856 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.9 1,000 1,900 IMPERIAL ISLAND INFO 0.138 0.139 0.13 0.14 0.125 0.138 16,280,000 2,222,280 1.9 2.15 1.85 2.17 1.85 2.17 135,000 265,510 JACKSTONES NOW CORP 3.2 3.21 3.1 3.38 3.02 3.2 7,717,000 24,590,210 0.335 0.34 0.305 0.34 0.305 0.335 25,150,000 8,325,450 TRANSPACIFIC BR PHILWEB 2.6 2.63 2.67 2.69 2.59 2.6 428,000 1,122,180 2GO GROUP 8.45 8.47 8.7 8.7 8.45 8.47 17,500 148,867 14.56 14.7 14.7 14.7 14.7 14.7 150,000 2,205,000 ASIAN TERMINALS CHELSEA 4.28 4.3 4.21 4.38 4.16 4.28 1,428,000 6,090,910 46.75 46.85 47 47 46.3 46.75 252,100 11,739,740 CEBU AIR INTL CONTAINER 119.1 119.2 119.3 123.5 118.5 119.1 1,810,080 218,507,968 15.58 16.08 16.2 16.2 15.58 15.58 3,500 55,598 LBC EXPRESS LORENZO SHIPPNG 0.97 1.05 0.97 1.05 0.97 1.05 41,000 40,090 MACROASIA 5.35 5.37 5.2 5.49 5.2 5.37 1,749,600 9,306,631 2.36 2.4 2.25 2.44 2.25 2.35 927,000 2,207,830 METROALLIANCE A PAL HLDG 6.3 6.48 6.3 6.48 6.25 6.48 13,000 83,293 1.31 1.32 1.3 1.32 1.26 1.32 1,482,000 1,904,190 HARBOR STAR DISCOVERY WORLD 3.8 3.9 3.75 3.98 3.7 3.9 173,000 654,710 10.32 11.18 10.32 10.32 10.32 10.32 400 4,128 GRAND PLAZA WATERFRONT 0.52 0.53 0.52 0.54 0.5 0.52 6,840,000 3,561,810 FAR EASTERN U 551 594 555 555 551 551 30 16,610 8.06 8.91 8.05 8.05 8.05 8.05 25,800 207,690 IPEOPLE STI HLDG 0.4 0.405 0.395 0.41 0.395 0.4 9,560,000 3,831,000 4.05 4.3 4.02 4.02 4.02 4.02 15,000 60,300 BERJAYA BLOOMBERRY 7.97 8 7.66 8 7.66 8 1,706,700 13,541,179 2.02 2.06 1.99 2.06 1.99 2.05 29,000 59,280 PACIFIC ONLINE LEISURE AND RES 1.72 1.77 1.73 1.78 1.7 1.78 529,000 915,430 MANILA JOCKEY 2.08 2.12 2.08 2.1 2.08 2.1 19,000 39,820 2.51 2.56 2.5 2.6 2.39 2.56 7,979,000 20,146,000 PH RESORTS GRP PREMIUM LEISURE 0.445 0.45 0.44 0.45 0.44 0.45 3,220,000 1,424,600 6.5 6.7 6.5 6.5 6.5 6.5 12,000 78,000 PHIL RACING ALLHOME 8.63 8.68 8.69 8.7 8.45 8.68 400,700 3,453,391 1.4 1.41 1.43 1.43 1.38 1.4 4,097,000 5,742,980 METRO RETAIL PUREGOLD 38.3 38.4 36.7 38.5 36.7 38.4 2,029,500 77,231,325 ROBINSONS RTL 61.1 61.25 62 62 60.5 61.25 979,400 59,978,621 98 98.1 102 102 98.1 98.1 35,410 3,525,065.50 PHIL SEVEN CORP SSI GROUP 1.32 1.33 1.29 1.34 1.28 1.32 2,063,000 2,712,850 17.9 18 17.5 18 17.5 18 4,358,900 77,695,978 WILCON DEPOT APC GROUP 0.44 0.445 0.43 0.445 0.43 0.44 2,350,000 1,032,050 6.81 7.25 6.82 7.46 6.8 6.81 43,800 299,152 EASYCALL GOLDEN BRIA 433 450 450 450 436 450 290 129,240 5 5.5 5 5 5 5 1,800 9,000 IPM HLDG PRMIERE HORIZON 2.32 2.33 2 2.36 1.98 2.32 140,705,000 302,766,890 SBS PHIL CORP 4.67 5.01 4.67 4.68 4.67 4.68 5,000 23,380

-21,338,485 51,254,575 -30,431,810 -13,143,348 519,475 13,786,774 -130,830 230,080 2,193,950 -178,210 -2,058,000 725,120 781,245 2,186,002 639,532 2,500 -44,540 -520 -3,369,750 -118,290 434,750 -1,459,490.00 1,454,660 243,470 31,970,215 -38,547,131 -3,186,000.50 -323,800 29,629,802 -44,000 5,710,410.00 -9,340

MINING & OIL ATOK 6.2 6.28 6.1 6.4 5.9 6.2 732,200 4,534,812 1,498,614 1.69 1.7 1.57 1.7 1.57 1.69 10,538,000 17,348,290 -482,540 APEX MINING ABRA MINING 0.0055 0.0056 0.0051 0.0056 0.005 0.0055 24,378,000,000 129,851,200 39,400 5.97 6 6.1 6.1 5.97 5.97 645,100 3,873,640 -13,200 ATLAS MINING BENGUET A 3.14 3.23 3.22 3.22 3.15 3.16 166,000 533,510 3.05 3.1 3.09 3.1 3.09 3.1 30,000 92,900 BENGUET B COAL ASIA HLDG 0.3 0.31 0.295 0.31 0.295 0.3 1,160,000 349,600 -2,950 CENTURY PEAK 2.8 2.84 2.84 2.84 2.84 2.84 25,000 71,000 8.53 8.87 8.51 8.9 8 8.86 178,000 1,556,964 -26,700 DIZON MINES FERRONICKEL 2.27 2.28 2.2 2.34 2.13 2.27 13,159,000 29,653,640 4,125,170 0.375 0.385 0.405 0.405 0.37 0.375 2,810,000 1,069,300 53,200 GEOGRACE LEPANTO A 0.154 0.158 0.15 0.158 0.15 0.157 23,520,000 3,655,560 0.156 0.158 0.158 0.16 0.155 0.158 2,360,000 373,190 79,000 LEPANTO B MANILA MINING A 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.011 0.01 0.01 222,700,000 2,240,500 MANILA MINING B 0.01 0.011 0.011 0.011 0.01 0.01 32,400,000 326,800 1.32 1.33 1.36 1.4 1.28 1.32 5,311,000 6,978,110 813,090 MARCVENTURES NIHAO 2.53 2.66 2.55 2.75 2.46 2.66 153,000 393,070 4.9 4.91 4.6 4.9 4.56 4.9 6,417,000 31,075,610 11,065,670 NICKEL ASIA OMICO CORP 0.395 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 0.41 80,000 32,800 0.97 0.99 0.99 1.03 0.93 0.99 2,665,000 2,590,100 ORNTL PENINSULA PX MINING 4.45 4.5 4.34 4.5 4.3 4.45 1,377,000 6,123,360 -947,940 SEMIRARA MINING 12.32 12.4 12.26 12.6 12.26 12.32 548,100 6,774,010 -3,038,398 0.0067 0.0068 0.0068 0.007 0.0066 0.0068 92,000,000 627,600 -6,800 UNITED PARAGON ACE ENEXOR 13.18 13.48 13.56 13.56 12.2 13.48 307,300 4,041,954 86,106 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.013 0.012 0.012 381,400,000 4,652,800 ORNTL PETROL A ORNTL PETROL B 0.012 0.013 0.013 0.013 0.012 0.013 77,300,000 1,000,600 0.013 0.014 0.014 0.014 0.013 0.014 357,200,000 4,721,500 28,900 PHILODRILL PXP ENERGY 9.5 9.54 9 9.6 8.6 9.54 1,744,000 15,787,551 736,882

PREFFERED AC PREF B1 516 527 520 520 516 516 1,500 774,040 ALCO PREF B 102 102.4 102.5 102.5 102.5 102.5 10 1,025 511.5 522 511.5 511.5 511.5 511.5 200 102,300 AC PREF B2R CPG PREF A 102.3 104.2 104.2 104.2 104.2 104.2 10 1,042 101 102.4 101 101 101 101 1,700 171,700 DD PREF GLO PREF P 500 504 502 502 500 500 2,100 1,050,200 1,028 1,030 1,031 1,031 1,028 1,028 1,370 1,408,390 GTCAP PREF B MWIDE PREF 101.4 101.5 102 102 101.5 101.5 53,240 5,409,796 496,824 MWIDE PREF 2B 101 101.4 101.4 101.4 101.4 101.4 490 49,686 104.8 104.9 104.8 104.8 104.8 104.8 1,100 115,280 PNX PREF 3B PNX PREF 4 1,003 1,005 1,004 1,005 1,004 1,005 2,675 2,687,325 1,018 1,050 1,049 1,050 1,049 1,050 95 99,740 PCOR PREF 2B PCOR PREF 3A 1,093 1,094 1,093 1,094 1,093 1,094 1,120 1,225,180 1,110 1,140 1,139 1,140 1,139 1,140 170 193,790 PCOR PREF 3B SMC PREF 2C 79 79.4 79.4 79.4 79 79 17,550 1,386,510 SMC PREF 2F 77.45 78.95 78.4 79 78.4 79 25,320 1,997,880 76.15 76.7 76.15 76.7 76.15 76.7 120 9,193 SMC PREF 2G SMC PREF 2J 76.05 76.2 76.05 76.05 76.05 76.05 54,000 4,106,700 76.2 76.25 76.1 76.2 76.1 76.2 7,500 570,900 -22,860 SMC PREF 2K

PHIL. DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS ABS HLDG PDR 12.6 13.2 12.7 13.2 12.52 12.6 70,000 894,182 378,000 GMA HLDG PDR 5.9 5.97 5.9 5.9 5.9 5.9 10,100 59,590 11,800

WARRANTS LR WARRANT 0.9 0.97 0.88 1 0.88 0.9 27,000 24,730

SMALL & MEDIUM ENTERPRISES ALTUS PROP 19.8 19.9 19 20.85 17.8 19.9 899,100 17,615,932 -494,577 ITALPINAS 3.02 3.08 3.1 3.17 3.02 3.08 3,445,000 10,608,570 -156,890 5.8 5.9 5.8 5.9 5.76 5.9 7,400 42,940 KEPWEALTH MAKATI FINANCE 2.85 3.43 2.85 2.85 2.85 2.85 9,000 25,650 6.36 6.37 6.46 6.59 6.3 6.36 36,931,300 236,898,856 -1,005,534 MERRYMART

EXHANGE TRADE FUNDS

FIRST METRO ETF 103 104 102.9 103.5 101.5 103 40,960 4,211,399 216,666

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Fruitas all set to open more community stores this year

F

By VG Cabuag

@villygc

ood and beverage kiosk operator Fruitas Holdings Inc. on Monday said it has secured 20 more locations for its community stores and is in final lease negotiations for another 20 locations.

In its disclosure, the company said it is set to meet its target of expanding its community store network to 100 by the end of this year, from 30 as of end-2020, ahead of schedule.

“Our community stores have been positively received by our customers.

Our rollout program for the year, covering at least 70 community stores and 100 kiosks, is keeping us busy,

but we continue to be on the lookout for more opportunities. Our continued expansion not only allows our customers to reach us faster but also makes us an attractive distribution partner,” Lester Yu, Fruitas president and CEO, said.

Fruitas said it has opened a Soy and Bean community store in Malhacan Road in Meycauayan, Bulacan

on January 21. This is the company’s first community store outside Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. It also opened its second community store of the same brand in Makati last January 29, in Island Plaza, Salcedo Village.

The next wave of community stores will cover more of Metro Manila and Cebu, and also include branches in Rizal, Pampanga, Cavite and Aklan, the company said.

Fruitas continues to enhance customer experience in community stores, offering curbside order and pickup. This allows both time-conscious and health-conscious customers to buy their products and a curated selection of products from partners without leaving their vehicle.

The company earlier said it targets to increase its income by 5 times and more than double its revenues through 2025 as the company hopes to expand its operations in

the country.

The company said it has set its sights on a net income of P500 million within the 5-year period, from the current annual earnings of more than P100 million. Revenues, meanwhile, are expected to jump to about P5 billion from the P2 billion it posted in 2019.

The company said it needed to expand its network to about 2,000 locations by 2025, or double its current number of kiosks and store network.

“We are confident that we will be able to achieve or even exceed our medium-term targets. We have encountered similar challenges in the past and have overcome them by relying on our strengths. We continue to be mindful of nearterm risks and fast-evolving client preferences. But we remain nimble to adjust our business model and take advantage of opportunities,” Yu said.

ANI to develop land of Mindanao tribe A

griNurture Inc. (ANI), the listed agricultural vehicle of businessman Antonio Tiu, on Monday said it has entered into a memorandum of agreement with a tribe based in Mindanao to develop and manage their land.

In its disclosure, the company said it entered a deal with the Unified Bagobo-Tagabawa Tribe (UBTT) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) “to promote inclusive agricultural and economic growth” by pursuing land productivity thru the development of rice and corn plantation in Bansalan, Davao del Sur. “The company will invest in the development, operation and management of the rice and corn plantation while the UBTT will be entitled to an annual royalty fee annual net profit share in the project,” the company said in its disclosure.

It said all employment and labor requirements of the project shall be

primarily sourced from the tribe.

The NCIP, meanwhile, shall monitor and evaluate compliance of the parties in the terms and conditions of the agreement.

The company, along with the project shall develop programs on health, skills development and alternative livelihood for the communities. The parties, in collaboration with other national government agencies shall likewise conduct tree planting activities in at least 2,000 hectares of land, it said.

The Tiu-listed firm currently conducts its business through operating divisions and wholly-owned or majority-owned subsidiaries.

The Philippine operations group is organized into 3 business units— export, local distribution and retail and franchising.

Meanwhile, the foreign operations group is principally engaged in fruits and vegetable trading in Hong Kong and China. VG Cabuag

BP sells Oman gas stake to PTTEP

B

P Plc. will sell a stake in an Omani gas block to Thailand’s national energy firm for $2.6 billion, part of a push to divest billions of dollars of assets and focus more on renewable energy.

PTT Exploration and Production Public Co. Ltd. (PTTEP) has agreed to pay the sum for 20 percent of Block 61, according to statements from both companies on Monday.

The deal should help BP deliver on its goal of selling $25 billion of assets by 2025 to ease its debt burden. Like other oil majors, it must contend with the demand for crude gutted by the coronavirus. The company has pledged to eliminate most of its greenhouse gas emissions over the coming decades.

In September, BP cut its dividend for the first time in a decade, and its share price plunged to a 25year low after Chief Executive Officer Bernard Looney announced a shift toward greener energy.

The price of the stake sale iås “attractive” compared with historical transactions, analysts at Bernstein including Oswald Clint wrote in a research note. The sale reinforces their view that BP will

start again to buy back shares—a step the company has committed to taking once it trims debt to $35 billion—as early as mid-year.

Deal closing

Block 61 is BP’s biggest asset in Oman and has a combined daily production capacity of 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas and more than 65,000 barrels of condensate, a light form of oil, according to the London-based company.

BP began talks with potential buyers in 2020. The Londonbased company expects the deal to close this year, after which it will remain the block’s operator and its biggest shareholder with 40-percent ownership.

O f t he rem a i nder, O m a n i state-r un f ir m OQ w i l l hold 30percent; PTTEP, 20 percent; and Malaysia’s Petronas Nasional Bhd., 10 percent. Petronas bought its stake from OQ in 2018.

PT TEP already has investments in Oman, including stakes in Block 6 and Oman’s liquefied natural gas company. It’s expanding in the Middle East; in December, it secured a license to explore for oil and gas off the coast of Abu Dhabi in the neighboring United Arab Emirates. Bloomberg News

mutual funds

February 1, 2021

NAV One Year Three Year Five Year Y-T-D per share Return* Return Stock Funds ALFM Growth Fund, Inc. -a 210.86 -12.08% -10.78% -2.3% -7.2% ATRAM Alpha Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 1.2541 -2.67% -8.7% 3.96% -4.49% ATRAM Philippine Equity Opportunity Fund, Inc. -a 2.9263 -13.27% -14.38% -3.44% -6.6% Climbs Share Capital Equity Investment Fund Corp. -a 0.7635 -8.94% -8.64% n.a.

-5.03% First Metro Consumer Fund on MSCI Phils. IMI, Inc. -a 0.6962 -13.45% n.a. n.a.

-6.12% First Metro Save and Learn Equity Fund,Inc. -a 4.6083 -8.99% -8.73% -1.33% -6.74% First Metro Save and Learn Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a,4 0.6965 -13.51% -11.4% -6.54% -8.33% MBG Equity Investment Fund, Inc. -a 97.02 -2.31% -6.95% n.a. -4.83% PAMI Equity Index Fund, Inc. -a 43.3623 -10.5% -8.98% -0.68% -7.44% Philam Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 453.85 -10.24% -8.83% -1.38% -7.18% Philequity Alpha One Fund, Inc. -a,d,5 1.0284 3.23% n.a. n.a. -6.28% Philequity Dividend Yield Fund, Inc. -a 1.0924 -10.72% -8.36% -0.54% -6.49% Philequity Fund, Inc. -a 32.3673 -9.96% -8.17% 0.08% -6.91% Philequity MSCI Philippine Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8406 -13.02% n.a. n.a.

-7.93% Philequity PSE Index Fund Inc. -a 4.4343 -10.17% -8.57% -0.01% -7.45% Philippine Stock Index Fund Corp. -a 742.1 -9.95% -8.44% -0.07% -7.43% Soldivo Strategic Growth Fund, Inc. -a 0.6767 -13.82% -11.8% -3.72% -5.87% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Equity Fund, Inc. -a 3.3844 -14.4% -10.19% -1.43% -6.61% Sun Life Prosperity Philippine Stock Index Fund, Inc. -a 0.8494 -10.2% -8.74% -0.23% -7.44% United Fund, Inc. -a 3.1106 -10.25% -7.27% 0.75% -6.28% Exchange Traded Fund First Metro Phil. Equity Exchange Traded Fund, Inc. -a,c 99.5892 -9.92% -8.23% 0.66% -7.41% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ATRAM AsiaPlus Equity Fund, Inc. -b

$1.2939 29.33% 3.2% 10.65% 7.57% Sun Life Prosperity World Voyager Fund, Inc. -a $1.693 21.15% 8.21% n.a.

1.21% Balanced Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ATRAM Dynamic Allocation Fund, Inc. -a 1.629 6.6% -4.63% -0.61% -2.37% ATRAM Philippine Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 2.198 4.9% -3.91% 1.13% -3.82% First Metro Save and Learn Balanced Fund Inc. -a 2.5129 -1.63% -3.47% -0.27% -4.34% First Metro Save and Learn F.O.C.C.U.S. Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a,1 0.1897 -14.2% n.a. n.a. -4.48% NCM Mutual Fund of the Phils., Inc. -a 1.9125 -0.62% -1.68% 1.7% -2.62% PAMI Horizon Fund, Inc. -a 3.6317 -1.27% -2.92% 0.81% -4.13% Philam Fund, Inc. -a 16.2411 -1.37% -2.9% 0.75% -4.11% Solidaritas Fund, Inc. -a 2.0074 -2.46% -3.95% -4.14% 0.45% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Balanced Fund, Inc. -a 3.4272 -7.84% -5.5% -0.44% -4.09% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2028, Inc. -a,d 0.9882 0.18% n.a. n.a.

-3.36% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2038, Inc. -a,d 0.8929 -6.4% n.a. n.a.

-5.93% Sun Life Prosperity Achiever Fund 2048, Inc. -a,d 0.8732 -7.95% n.a. n.a. -6.42% Sun Life Prosperity Dynamic Fund, Inc. -a 0.8431 -9.48% -6.45% -1.29% -5.02% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Cocolife Dollar Fund Builder, Inc. -a $0.03901 0.88% 2.78% 1.95% -0.28% PAMI Asia Balanced Fund, Inc. -b $1.1962 16.63% 2.91% 7.62% 4% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Advantage Fund, Inc. -a $4.5559 15.14% 6.23% 9.09% 0.95% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Wellspring Fund, Inc. -a,3 $1.2041 7.65% 3.32% n.a.

0.17% Bond Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 371.59 3.75% 3.26% 2.81% 0.14% ATRAM Corporate Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.9035 -0.1% 0.27% 0.17% 0.17% Cocolife Fixed Income Fund, Inc. -a 3.218 3.01% 4.37% 4.76% 0.1% Ekklesia Mutual Fund Inc. -a 2.299 2.94% 2.84% 2.36% 0.13% First Metro Save and Learn Fixed Income Fund,Inc. -a 2.4505 3.96% 3.37% 2.14% -0.11% Philam Bond Fund, Inc. -a 4.6496 6.35% 4.72% 0.32% 3.08% Philam Managed Income Fund, Inc. -a,6 1.3222 5.66% 4.46% 2.72% 0.08% Philequity Peso Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.9855 5.69% 4.49% 2.86% -0.39% Soldivo Bond Fund, Inc. -a 1.0381 7.3% 4.1% 2.46% -0.37% Sun Life of Canada Prosperity Bond Fund, Inc. -a 3.2022 4.17% 4.65% 3.48% -0.12% Sun Life Prosperity GS Fund, Inc. -a 1.749 3.31% 3.89% 2.85% -0.34% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $484.77 3.04% 2.92% 2.81% 0.19% ALFM Euro Bond Fund, Inc. -a Є219.32 -0.44% 0.91% 1.25% 0.06% ATRAM Total Return Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -b $1.2833 5.96% 4.42% 3.1% 0.23% First Metro Save and Learn Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $0.0264 1.93% 1.97% 1.59% -0.75% PAMI Global Bond Fund, Inc -b $1.0913 -1.42% 0.96% 0.54% -0.13% Philam Dollar Bond Fund, Inc. -a $2.5308 3.9% 4.41% 3.31% -0.19% Philequity Dollar Income Fund Inc. -a $0.0624585 2.98% 3.13% 2.36% 0.23% Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Abundance Fund, Inc. -a $3.2129 -0.96% 2.54% 2.13% -0.33% Money Market Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities ALFM Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 129.98 3.04% 3.33% 2.58% 0.13% First Metro Save and Learn Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.0487 1.86% n.a. n.a.

0.06% Sun Life Prosperity Money Market Fund, Inc. -a 1.2981 2.39% 2.94% 2.61% 0.12% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities Sun Life Prosperity Dollar Starter Fund, Inc. -a $1.0534 1.41% 1.77% n.a.

0.1% Feeder Funds Primarily invested in Peso securities Sun Life Prosperity World Equity Index Feeder Fund, Inc. -a,d,7 1.1526 n.a. n.a. n.a. 2.04% Primarily invested in foreign currency securities ALFM Global Multi-Asset Income Fund Inc. -b,d,2 $0.98 -1.01% n.a. n.a.

0%

a - NAVPS as of the previous banking day. b - NAVPS as of two banking days ago. c - Listed in the PSE. d - in Net Asset Value per Unit (NAVPU).

1 - Launch date is September 28, 2019. 2 - Launch date is November 15, 2019. 3 - Adjusted due to stock dividend issuance last October 9, 2019.

4 - Renaming was approved by the SEC last October 12, 2018 (formerly, One Wealthy Nation Fund, Inc.). 5 - Launch date is December 09, 2019.

6 - Re-classified into a Bond Fund starting February 21, 2020 (Formerly a Money Market Fund). 7 - Launch date is July 6, 2020.

"While we endeavor to keep the information accurate, the Philippine Investment Funds Association (PIFA) and its members make no warranties as to the correctness of the newspaper’s publication and assume no liability or responsibility for any error or omissions. You may visit http://www. pifa.com.ph to see the latest NAVPS/NAVPU."

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Banking&Finance BusinessMirror

Govt raises ₧24B in T-bills from cash-flushed market

T

HE Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) was able to raise in Monday’s auction of Treasury Bills (T-bills) around P24 billion; an upsize from the initial P20-billion offer amid lower rates despite the expected higher inflation for January.

The auction was more than five times oversubscribed with total bids reaching P103.6 billion, prompting the Treasury to double the accepted non-competitive bids for the 91-day securities and 182-day securities to P4 billion each.

Average rates across all tenors were all lower than the previous auction and secondary market rates.

National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon explained rates fell because the market remains “flushed with funds.”

Broken down, the Treasury raised P7-billion each for 91-day and 182day securities and P10 billion in 364day T-bills.

The 91-day T-bills fetched an average rate of 0.917 percent, dropping by 5.2 basis points from 0.969 percent in the previous auction. Tenders for the security reached P19.56

billion, nearly four times the initial P5-billion offer.

Meanwhile, the average rate for the 182-day T-bills capped at 1.21 percent, falling by 11.3 basis points from 1.323 percent previously. Total bids for the tenor amounted to P33.456 billion, more than six-fold the initial P5-billion offer.

Lastly, the 364-day T-bills’ average rate slipped by 5 basis points to 1.492 percent from previous auction’s 1.542 percent. Bids for the tenor reached P50.63 billion, five times the P10-billion offer.

The Treasury plans to borrow P140 billion from the local debt market this month, the same amount it planned to raise for January.

Government expects national government debt to hit 57 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) this year as it aims to borrow a total of P3.03 trillion, roughly the same amount borrowed last year.

Government forecast 2020 debtto-GDP ratio to reach 53.5 percent, significantly higher than 40.2 percent targeted prior to imposing lockdown measures to stem the spread of Covid-19 infection. Bernadette D. Nicolas

Understanding your personal finance

N

OWADAYS, most of the concerns of Millennials’ are how they can start dealing better with their personal finances.

Sadly, some of them fall victims to scams.

Good news! If you need help to organize your budgeting, banking, insurances, mortgages, or investments, there is a best person to support you.

Your partner to handling better your personal finance is no other than a Financial Planner.

Financial Planners help you to identify how much you need today for achieving your goals for your future. Most young professionals today want easy money without thinking if the company is legitimate or not.

Before we start investing, we need to first know the basics of finance. Many of us skip this important step. Skipping the basic steps may affect your investment accounts.

Basic foundation in finance is simply like building your house on a solid foundation so that whatever storm may come, you are still able to continue achieving your goals.

Your investment is simply like a roof: if you are planning to build a house, of course, you will not place the roof first before its foundation. It is the same thing in our finances.

We need to understand and undergo a process. There is no shortcut to it.

If we want a solid foundation for our finances, we need FIRST to secure everything because there are unexpected events in life like sickness, death and accident. These three events in life may have a big effect on our finances. Having solutions for these three means having a health and life insurance. Having these will give you peace of mind to pursue your goals in life. No one knows what will happen during the process in achieving your goal.

It is better to be prepared whatever storms may come. Having a peace of mind will help you not to worry about what may happen in the future.

SECONDLY, build your emergency fund so that you will continue your goals if you lose a job or losing your business due to unexpected happenings.

THIRD, start having your passive income. Look for investments to create another stream of income e.g., a business you want, stocks, forex or cryptocurrency. Invest on what you know and further study anything that you want to invest on.

Rodora Mendoza

personal finance FOURTH, never stop learning to identify possible opportunities that will lead you to your goal. You may also find a mentor that will give you some advices.

FIFTH, you can only do these things if you are debt-free and you already identified your goals and purpose in life. Discovering your purpose in life will lead you to your God-given goals. The journey is not easy as it takes hardship; the important thing is you learn from mistakes and are prepared for the unexpected events in life.

Discover your WHY; what will keep you going as you pursue your purpose in life. The important thing is either you learn from mistakes: your own or others. At the end, the choice is yours. No one can blame you for the decisions you made. It’s your life and your choices.

If you haven’t organized everything in your life, it will fall short and you’ve started all over again. I witnessed it from my parents. During their younger years, when they had no personal finance, they appeared to be in a rat race and a cycle.

Income less expenses will always be equivalent to zero or a negative balance.

By not prioritizing savings at earlier age, it gets difficult to start on later years as you need to work harder for you to make your retirement years comfortable.

My tips for you today: start early as you can, look for the opportunity that may interest you and do something you love to do. Time is very important than money because you will never earn back your time again.

Realizing those outcomes from my parents, I am able to start to save at my earlier age so I will not have to work hard for money but letting the money work for me and do what God called me to do.

I believe you can do this, too.

This 2021, start to plan better for your personal finance. Find a financial planner or partner to help you.

Your future is worth planning for.

Why wait for tomorrow when you can start to plan better now.

Rodora Mendoza is a Registered Financial Planner of RFP Philippines. To learn more about personal-financial planning, attend the 88th RFP program this March 2021. To inquire, e-mail info@ rfp.ph or text at 0917-6248110.

Tuesday, February 2, 2021 B3

LGU fund-raiser cuts targets on lower local-tax collection

T

By Bernadette D. Nicolas

@BNicolasBM

HE Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) slashed by 30 percent to P223.9 billion its total revenue-collection target for local government units (LGUs) this year as it admits business operations slowed down last year.

In reducing the target from the original medium-term program of P321.6 billion, the BLGF explained the performance of local businesses last year was the basis for assessments of most local taxes for 2021.

The BLGF also considered the impact of the economic and health crises on the revenue-generation capacities of LGUs. The bureau that coordinates with local treasurers also used the national government’s economic projections.

While the revised target was below the original goal for local revenue collection for the year, this was more than double the initial estimate of

BLGF in October 2020 at P102.01 billion. The revised target for 2021 was also up by nearly 16 percent from the downgraded goal set by BLGF for 2020 at P193.04 billion.

However, the BLGF forecast that LGUs revenues this year would be 7-percent lower than the estimated full-year 2020 collections at P241.39 billion.

The bulk of the “initial” collection-performance target for this year is expected to come from cities at P165.2 billion, followed by provinces at P32.23 billion and municipalities at P26.47 billion.

About 44 percent of the local revenue target will be sourced

Banks seen to boost sustainable lending

By Tyrone Jasper C. Piad @Tyronepiad

F

INANCIAL institutions are seen to provide more sustainable lending this year as central banks and regulators stress the economic impact of climate change, Accenture B.V. said.

In a report released on Monday, the technology consulting and outsourcing services provider said that banks are expected to begin integrating environmental impacts into credit risk assessment and pricing models this year.

Regulators, meanwhile, are likely to be more stringent when it comes to related disclosure standards, it added.

“2021 will likely be an inflection point in sustainable lending as central banks and regulators are now acknowledging the dire macroeconomic consequences of unfettered climate change,” the report said.

Globally, borrowings for coal projects have declined, the report said adding that, however, this has been offset by other fossil fuel loans.

“Fossil fuel projects will continue to be funded, but the cost of that capital will rise, and the lenders will face escalating reputational and regulatory risks,” the report said.

“As they pivot to green lending expect pressure to build on banks to also start prioritizing

and reporting on broader ESG [environmental, social and governance] goals like funding the minority- and women-owned businesses disproportionately hit by Covid-19,” the report said.

In the Philippines, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is also promoting sustainable financing.

The Central Bank, in fact, released the Sustainable Finance Framework in March last year.

This regulation aims to incorporate sustainability principles, including those covering environmental and social risk areas, to the banks’ corporate governance framework, risk management systems and strategic objectives.

The banks were given three years from effectivity of the circular to fully comply with all the included provisions. They were also tasked with providing a transition plan.

In a report released in December last year, Asean central banks, including BSP, said they are set to address climate change with the help of green financing, incentives and supervisory authority.

“Central banks should be in a state of readiness to manage the risks stemming from climate change and environment-related events more proactively to ensure Asean continues to grow and prosper in a sustainable manner, into the far future and for the generations to come,” the report noted.

from local business tax and other taxes (P97.75 billion), real property tax and special education fund (P76.03 billion), regulatory fees and user charges (P29.76 billion) and receipts from operations of local economic enterprise (P20.35 billion).

Taking the lion’s share or nearly half of LGU’s ownsourced revenues is the National Capital Region (NCR) at P102.07 billion.

Next to NCR are Region IV-A and Region III, with P34.14 billion and P19.89 billion, respectively.

The BLGF had also cut its revenue target for local treasurers last year by 37 percent to P193.04 billion from the original programmed P307.08 billion.

As of the third quarter of 2020, LGUs had already collected P205.71 billion, exceeding the full-year goal by 6.56 percent. The BLGF attributed this feat to the easing of com-

munity guidelines, resumption of business operations, the extension of payment deadlines and adoption of online and alternative payment facilities, among others.

The BLGF has already issued the initial targets for provincial, city, and municipal treasurers through the 15 BLGF Regional Offices. It gave local treasurers until February 28 to request adjustments in revenue targets.

Requests for revenue target adjustments may be made as a result of new local legislation adjusting the rates of taxes, fees, and charges, closure of businesses, windfall collections from the previous year that cannot be collected anymore in the current year, reassessment of properties due to calamities, tax relief programs, among others, subject to validation by the BLGF. The BLGF also vowed to update the performance commitments of local treasurers by the second half of the year.

UnionBank ends 2020 with double-digit drop

U

nion Bank of the Philippines ended last year with a doubledigit plunge in net earnings as credit loss reserves piled up to protect its asset quality.

The Aboitiz-led bank announced that it posted profits of P11.6 billion last year, which is a 17-percent decline from P14 billion it registered in 2019. Return on equity stood at 11.9 percent.

On Monday, UnionBank shares climbed 4.91 percent, or P3.50, to close at P74.85 each amid the 3.06-percent uptick for the benchmark index.

The lower bottom-line figures were a result of an increased credit loss buffer of P8.7 billion for the period in anticipation of surge in nonperforming loans (NPL). This is more than four times the P1.9 billion the bank earmarked in 2019.

NPL ratio rose to 5.1 percent from 3.1 percent.

Still, the bank said it booked all-time high revenues of P42.1 billion last year, thanks to 29-percent growth in net interest income supported by higher margins.

Trading gains amounting to P8.9 billion also lifted the topline figures.

UnionBank President and CEO Edwin R. Bautista said he remains “pleased with the bank’s 2020 performance despite a challenging year.”

“This was a product of all UnionBankers who continued to push boundaries amidst the crisis,” Bautista said.

Operating expenses only grew by single-digit last year, which the bank attributed to efficiencies brought about by the digitization initiatives.

The bank’s total assets stood at P774.5 billion as of end-December 2020.

Its capital equity tier 1 ratio and capital adequacy ratio are currently at 15 percent and 17 percent, respectively, which are both above minimum regulatory requirements.

“We enter 2021 cautiously optimistic with a strong focus on balance sheet management and credit underwriting,” UnionBank Treasurer Jose Emmanuel U. Hilado said. “We expect to sustain customer revenue growth as we continue to achieve operating efficiencies.”

Last year, UnionBank said that its digital strategy “gained more traction” amid the accelerated shift to digital platforms. Customers, who are using digital channels, breached the 2 million mark.

Over half a million new accounts were opened through the mobile application as well.

UnionBank’s technology and innovation firm UBX has signed up over 140,000 micro, small, and medium enterprises across its platforms, including i2i, BUX, Sentro and SeekCap. Thrift banking arm CitySavings Bank, meanwhile, continued to provide services to teachers and motorcycle loan borrowers through its mobile sales application. “[We] aim to ramp up digital customer engagement to sustain our momentum in 2021,” Bautista added.

In a separate disclosure, the Aboitizled bank declared cash dividend of P3.50 per share, which will be sourced from its available retained earnings as of endDecember 2020. The record date for stockholders entitled to said dividend is February 15 while payment date is on March 4. Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

LandBank registers uptick in online transactions

L

AND Bank of the Philippines announced it registered more electronic banking transactions last year amid the increased shift to digital, extending free online fund transfers until March 31.

The state-run bank said that fee waiver extension was in line with its goal of providing accessible and convenient electronic banking solutions. It covers fund transfers through LandBank’s online banking channels.

In 2020, the bank’s transactions facilitated via its six major electronic

channels increased by 21 percent in volume and 36 percent in value year-on-year.

LandBank said its mobile banking app grew the number of transactions by 68 percent to nearly 72 million while their value improved by threefold to P85.12 billion.

The state-run bank said that the app was upgraded last year to include new features, including enhanced user interface, cardless withdrawal and registration of Mastercard credit and prepaid cards in the app.

The bank said its e-payment fa-

cility completed 2.12 million transactions amounting to P7.95 billion.

Both figures showed growth of 35 percent in terms of volume and 71 percent in terms of amount.

The bank said its institutional internet banking platform booked 30-percent uptick and 41-percent growth in volume and value, respectively.

The value of transactions facilitated through the bank’s electronic disbursement system for national government agency partners rose by 28 percent to P260.39 billion.

Number of transactions completed through this platform, meanwhile, grew by 8 percent.

Amount transacted via iAccess improved by 47 percent to P11.86 billion last year from P8.08 billion in 2019, the bank said.

LandBank said its remittance system facilitated 1.92 million transactions amounting to P164.88 billion.

Meanwhile, LandBank said its online account opening platform has also allowed the enrolment of nearly 2 million accounts since its launch in July 2019. Tyrone Jasper C. Piad

B4

Tuesday, February 2, 2021 • Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

Art

BusinessMirror

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Today’s Horoscope

By Eugenia Last

z

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Shakira, 44; Christie Brinkley, 67; Brent Spiner, 72; Graham Nash, 79.

Happy Birthday: Follow through. Motivation and discipline will help you achieve whatever you set out to conquer this year. Ask questions, gather information and strive to make a difference. Taking care of your mental, emotional and physical well-being will help you ward off any negative influences you encounter. Trust and believe in what you are capable of doing. Your numbers are 9, 13, 21, 27, 33, 42, 49.

a

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You’ll be right on target. Your insight and ability to take control and get things done will be impressive. How you handle others will pay off. Time spent with someone you love will lead to a new chapter in your relationship.

HHH

b

ON view at Provenance Art Gallery in BGC is Iya ConsorioBarrioquinto’s latest solo exhibition, titled Unpretty.

Unpretty and beautiful

W

HILE pure in intention, the proverb “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” promotes a grave mislocation.

Visual artist Iya ConsorioBarrioquinto contends that the quality hinges not in the perception of the observer, but lies within the subject itself, shining through the crevices of flaws as a light that is as golden as it is honest.

In her latest solo show, titled Unpretty, Barrioquinto celebrates empowered women who have overcome and embraced their imperfections as defining marks of individuality and, by extent, true beauty. The show is currently on-view at Provenance Art Gallery in BGC.

According to the art space’s coowner Raul Francisco, the exhibition features the version of Barrioquinto who has truly grown in her sense of style. “This show, we believe, is a turning point in her career as an artist, where she has really come into her own,” says Raul, who runs the gallery with his wife Joanna Preysler-Francisco. “[Barrioquinto] has always had a unique sense of style, her own distinct visual language, and now it has evolved to a whole other level of maturity.”

The artist has always displayed a penchant for depicting works that bordered on the macabre, with subjects defined by salient eyes that capture life and/ or death with busy details all around. In Unpretty, Barrioquinto fills the canvas with more activity yet with more cohesion and depth. There is almost something new waiting to be discovered at every view: From a geisha’s expression and her textured hair, to the space she occupies in the frame which, upon further inspection, forms a face when viewed at a distance.

The artworks also draw inspiration from kintsugi, the Japanese art of putting together broken pottery pieces using gold lacquer, both in the visual and symbolical sense. In the exhibition note, Joanna Preysler-Francisco writes: “These are the modern-day

heroes of [Barrioquinto], the feisty face of femininity.”

“Unpretty is an ode to being a woman, and knowing there is strength even in being gentle, and there is power even in submission. Hear us roar, even when we are silent,” she added. “We are whole even in our brokenness.”

According to Raul, Provenance Art Gallery has an “exciting” lineup of solo exhibitions and group shows for 2021.

The gallery started the year with two solos, featuring Betsy Westendorp’s Recuerdos de Ayer and Barrioquinto’s ongoing exhibition. Next up is Provenance’s annual group show, titled Two Sides to Every Story, featuring 15 of the gallery’s most coveted contemporary artists.

“We will also have notable solo exhibits by Jojo Barja, Arturo Sanchez, Danilo Arriola, Reynold dela Cruz, Brave Singh, Demet dela Cruz, Renato Balute, and Arnel Natividad, among others,” Raul said.

Another part of the gallery’s plan for the year is to maintain its charity works by donating to foundations such as Unicef, Kalipay Negrense and Acay, among others.

Raul said: “We at Provenance like to invest in the artist [not solely on the artwork], and we believe in giving back or paying it forward as often as we can.” n

Flex your art ART helps us get through the challenges in the new normal. It allows us to examine what it means to be human, express ourselves, and bring people and ideas together.

This 2021, Gateway Gallery Pocket Museum will give new offerings for the continued enrichment and education of its users anytime, anywhere.

The Pocket Museum will give artists the opportunity to have their artworks featured in the mobile app through Art Flex, which will feature weekly art submissions by Filipino artists based on a monthly theme.

This is open to students, amateur and professional artists. Art Flex will pick an artwork to be featured every Friday of the month.

For February, the theme is “My Home,” while March will be themed “My Summer” and April is “Cebu” in celebration of the 500 years of Victory in Mactan.

At the end of the quarter, one artwork will be

selected based on the listed criteria. The winning artist will get to bring home a bundle of prizes and a chance to exhibit at Gateway Gallery.

In addition, two exhibits will also be uploaded this year and the bimonthly feature of the Gateway Gallery Art Collection will be started this February 2021.

The Art Collection feature will contain insights and perspectives of invited writers, curators and educators. The Gateway Gallery Pocket Museum mobile app is available for download from Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store.

Gateway Gallery is the art museum of Araneta City devoted to the promotion of Philippine culture, heritage and art. It is managed by the J. Amado Araneta Foundation. As soon as it reopens, the public can visit the museum for free from 10 am to 6 pm daily at Gateway Tower, Araneta City.

More information can be found at 8588-4000, local 8300, or gatewaygallery@aranetagroup.com.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Uncertainty will prevail if you make a premature move.

Consider every angle before you forge ahead with plans that can affect your income. When in doubt, talk to an expert. Avoid locations and contact with individuals who may present a health risk. HHH

c

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You’ll be offered insight into something that can help you make an important decision. Added discipline will pay off when putting together a proposal or taking advantage of an opportunity that comes your way. HHHHH

d

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t flirt with temptation. An attraction to something or someone will put you at a disadvantage if you are too friendly or accommodating. Take a wait-and-see approach and let situations unfold naturally. HH

e

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Handle professional matters and partnerships with discretion.

Making an impromptu move or decision will set you back. Look for opportunities that are foolproof.

Nurture essential relationships to avoid a falling out.

Personal growth and a healthy lifestyle are encouraged.

Romance will enhance your life. HHHH

f

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Do whatever it takes to arm yourself with the necessary information, skills and experience to follow your dreams. Don’t give up on something that will satisfy you. Take responsibility for your happiness. HHH

g

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t procrastinate.

Opportunities are available; all you have to do is to take action. Speak up, share your ideas and engage in conversations geared toward positive lifestyle changes that are budget-friendly and intriguing.

Love and romance are favored. HHH

h

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Keep your thoughts and plans a secret. Don’t give anyone ammunition that will set you back or interfere with your life. Work under the radar until you have everything in place. HHH

i

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Reach out to people who can help you bring about positive change. An opportunity to raise your earning potential or start a new career looks inviting.

Interviewing, debating and making your point will lead to victory. Romance is in the stars. HHHH

j

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take a back seat and listen carefully. The information offered will help you make adjustments at home to improve your performance, but roommates, family or friends aren’t likely to be impressed. HH

k

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Take care of financial, medical and legal matters before they have a chance to escalate. Let your instincts lead the way, and allow your ability to recognize who is and who isn’t on your side influence you to navigate your way to victory. HHHHH

l

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Use your intuition and creative mind to push forward.

Bring about change that will help you get ahead. Let go of what no longer works for you and the people who drag you down instead of lift you up.

Choose a positive path. HHH Birthday Baby: You are unique, intelligent and humanitarian.

You are impatient and restless.

‘that’s so yesterday...or is it?’ by erik agard The Universal Crossword/Edited by David Steinberg

ACROSS 1 Rho follower 6 Plate scraper 10 Ad-___ (improvise) 13 Damson of “Snowfall” 14 Region 15 Marge Simpson’s oldest daughter 16 Signified 17 Snarky remarks 18 Rain during a honeymoon, perhaps 19 “Out, damned Spot!”?

21 Important buzzer 23 Brewhouse orders 24 Complaining bitterly 26 Food filled with a sweet spread 30 Like undeveloped talent 33 WSJ headliner 34 Michonne’s portrayer in The Walking Dead 35 Big-name star 37 What you hope to do under an umbrella 39 “Restore defaults” button 40 Palindromic Lunar New Year

celebration 1 About ___ big 4 42 Grocery store convenience 46 False excuse 47 “Like that would happen!”

51 Couch for two 54 Quarterback’s cry 56 Actor David ___ Grier 57 Condescending person 59 El ___ (1983 immigration drama) 60 All ears 61 Spanish for “blue” 62 Xeon Processor brand 63 Decorate, as Easter eggs 64 Measure symbolized by a W 65 Rips DOWN 1 Lion who fights Scar 2 Standard of perfection 3 A+, say 4 Thinkers 5 Concerning 6 Start of an Indian mausoleum’s name 7 Some dinar spenders

8 Cloud in space 9 Start gradually 10 Big branch 11 “That makes sense” 12 Ruination 15 You might take it when you aren’t in a hurry 20 Red, green or purple fruit 22 Closing of a window?

25 Dia de San Valentin word 26 Performer’s butterflies 27 Movie adventurer Jones’ nickname 28 Meticulous attention 29 “Hey there!”

30 Like pink steak 31 Morgan of soccer 32 Bit of hair 36 Quetzalcoatl’s reptilian form 37 Lay’s chips in a tube 38 Last Commandment’s position 43 Fluctuate 44 Group of lyrical lines 45 Opposite of “take in,” in tailoring 47 Do penance

8 To a degree, informally 4 49 Lead-in to “leave” or “weave” 50 Senses 51 Non-vegan fat 52 Eye cream maker 53 Smoke an e-cig 55 64-Across, for one 58 Club relative Solution to January 29’s puzzle:

www.businessmirror.com.ph

Show BusinessMirror

Editor: Gerard S. Ramos

• Tuesday, February 2, 2021

B5

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson, her memoir just out, was active to the end

By Hillel Italie and Mark Kennedy The Associated Press

CLOCKWISE: Jett Pangan, director Cholo Laurel, Eula Valdez, Julio de Leon, Nicole Laurel, Anjo Resurreccion, Max Eigenmann and Rocky Salumbides

Breakthrough series ‘AfterLife’ streams on premium platform

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VERYONE on the Cignal block is talking about the newest suspense drama series, titled AfterLife. Even those who are not yet subscribed to this premium streaming service are curious about this breakthrough project that has successfully gathered the best creatives and production experts to work together on this exciting new show.

Calling the shots is director Cholo Hidalgo Laurel, a prominent name in the advertising and production world. More than 15 years ago, Laurel also directed the film Nasaan Ka Man, from a screenplay he cowrote with celebrated screenwriter Ricky Lee. The movie, which featured Hilda Koronel, Claudine Barretto, Jericho Rosales and Diether Ocampo, was recognized by many local award-giving organizations.

There were speculations that Laurel was “dismayed” by the ugly realities of how top production

companies make movies, but only he would know the real reasons why he immediately pushed the pause button after his beautiful debut feature. Life’s inevitable cycles unravel at their most perfect time and two years ago, Laurel took on this new project with very high hopes and a newfound enthusiasm.

When his team got the formal advise from Cignal that streaming will start this week, Laurel was ecstatic. Always the well-loved, self-effacing guy, Laurel shared the trailer on his social-media accounts, writing: “Pardon the self-promo but this is a personal milestone.” Milestone it is indeed for Laurel and his amazing team that started this project on the drawing boards before the onset of the pandemic. One by one, the pieces of the puzzle were carefully and meticulously put together, and principal photography of the entire season was completed a few months before the lockdown.

Series creators Jasper Wang and Celina Magsino and headwriter Wanggo Gallaga made sure the lines are as crisp and the narrative, compelling. Completing the team that worked with the Laurel Street creatives are producers Mondy Buensalido, Lilibeth Dy-Liacco, director of photography Dom Dycaico, composer Jaime Pangan, editor JD Domingo, colorist Bianca Francisco, and production designer Lars Magbanua.

The cast is simply amazing. The inimitable actress Eula Valdez was meant to play the lead female character Esther Ong as her busy work schedules fit in perfectly to the production shoot dates. Rock icon and

esteemed actor Jett Pangan took on what is perhaps his most wonderful role on the small screen as the Filipino-Chinese businessman whose death remains a mystery. “It is a precious role and I cannot wait to watch the episodes,“ enthused Valdez, adding, “I didn’t get the feeling that it was work because the team made sure that every work day was carefully planned and prepared for. And I so love this ensemble of wonderful actors!”

Pangan is happy that he took on the project. “I am grateful. The character has endeared himself to me. It’s one of my most interesting roles yet, and the experience working with such brilliant and fun people is just priceless!”

Three promising actors are being introduced in the series. Playing the sons of Valdez and Pangan are Julio Alberto de Leon, who is also a licensed physical therapist and model, and Anjo Resureccion, a fitness expert, model and singer. The lovely and well-loved singer Nicole Laurel also gets a plum role in the series.

International best actress Max Eigenmann adds both spunk and significance to the new show together with original Miss Saigon alumnus Bobby Martino, veteran actor Gino Ilustre, and the ever reliable Madeleine Nicolas and Jun Nayra. There are also many cameo appearances from established actors.

To know why everyone is talking about AfterLife, visit www.cignalplay.com and download the application before upgrading to premium status. For now, this series is only available in Asian territories. n

NEW YORK—Cicely Tyson was active to the end, in the middle of promoting her memoir Just As I Am when she died at age 96.

Published earlier this week, Just As I Am was No. 1 on Amazon.com within hours of the groundbreaking actor’s death Thursday, displacing a bound edition of Amanda Gorman’s inauguration poem The Hill We Climb. One of Tyson’s final tweets was a tribute to the 22-year-old poet.

“Your words remind us that we will rise, rebuild, reconcile and recover. Thank you for your words and light,” Tyson tweeted on Wednesday.

Many media outlets this week had been celebrating Tyson and her memoir. CBS This Morning put online its week-old interview with Tyson, in which she was asked what she wanted the world to remember about her. “I’ve done my best. That’s all,” she told Gayle King.

King was emotional Friday talking about Tyson. “I just can’t express my feelings today,” King said. Of the interview, she added: “It takes on a totally different meaning. I’m now just analyzing everything she said.”

In what producers said was her last TV interview, Tyson spoke to Live With Kelly and Ryan about her shy childhood and landing her Oscar-nominated role in Sounders.

“I never really worked for money,” she explained.

“I’ve worked because there were certain issues that I wish were addressed about myself and my race as a Black woman.”

Tyson’s book—broken into three sections, Planted, Rooted and Bountiful—became a parting gift to fans and chronicles a woman who went from selling shopping bags on the streets of Harlem to being cheered by presidents, winning Emmy and Tony awards and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

In the days before her death, Tyson was also a guest on The Bakari Sellers Podcast, where she talked about her acting choices, injustices and her marriage to late jazz great Miles Davis. She told Sellers that she wrote the book because everyone knew the glittery and successful version of herself but “no one knows Cicley Tyson, the person down here.”

In a People magazine story running this week, she said, “It’s very exciting to know that you are, hopefully, making a roadway for someone else to follow.” In an NPR interview, Tyson said she came to acting so that she “could speak through other people,” after being naturally drawn to observing other people as a shy child. Her advice? “Just stick with it. There’s always a reason why you keep going in the direction you chose to go in.”

GMA Affordabox breaks 1 million mark in first seven months GMA Network hits another milestone with 1 million units of its digital TV receiver GMA Affordabox sold in just seven months after its launch.

Staying true to GMA’s goal of enabling millions of households to access high-quality yet affordable TV viewing experience, GMA Affordabox is priced at only P888 with no monthly fees.

“We at GMA Network express our gratitude to our viewers for their continued trust and for wholeheartedly welcoming GMA Affordabox into their homes. Rest assured that we always aim to provide superior quality content across all platforms and improve our digital TV products that are accessible to many Filipinos,” said GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon.

Boosting the country’s digital TV shift, each unit comes with superior digital TV reception and bonus features that suit every user’s lifestyle. Viewers can catch all the network’s channels (GMA, GMA News TV, Heart of Asia, Hallypop), as well as DepEd TV, and other available free-

to-air channels in digital broadcast in their areas.

As GMA Network expands its digital broadcast coverage, more and more Filipinos are able to use GMA Affordabox.

Recently, Misamis Oriental (including Cagayan de Oro City) and Camiguin were added to its coverage areas. It is also available in selected towns/cities within Metro Manila, Benguet, La Union, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Bohol, Cebu, Leyte, Davao de Oro, Davao del Sur, and Davao del Norte.

Leading the success of GMA Affordabox is Senior Vice President for Corporate Strategic Planning and Business Development, Chief Risk Officer, and Head for Program Support Regie C. Bautista.

“We believe that every Filipino home should be able to enjoy digital viewing, which is why GMA endeavored to bring GMA Affordabox to our market. Quality digital TV viewing is now made accessible to the majority of Filipino homes. It’s exciting to hit the 1 million mark only months into its launch

MICHAEL V., Heart Evangelista and Dingdong Dantes are the GMA stars hyping the GMA Affordabox.

and we are very grateful for the support of our viewers,” Bautista said. This 2021, GMA Network is also set to launch its digital TV mobile receiver, GMA Now, which will allow

users to watch TV on the go for free.

More information is available at www.GMAaffordabox. com.

B6 Tuesday, February 2, 2021

Proper nutrition impacts on brain development in a child’s first 5 years

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CCORDING to “Why Early Childhood Matters” published in First Things First https://www.firstthingsfirst.org/ early-childhood-matters/brain-development/), 90% of brain growth happens before kindergarten. Newborn babies have all of the brain cells they’ll have for the rest of their life, but the synapses, or connections, between these cells are what make the brain work. These connections enable us to do just about everything - including moving, thinking, and communicating.

Research confirms that the first five years of life are considered to be a rapid and dynamic period for brain development.

Most brain processes during that period will have an impact on the developing brain. Much like electrical wires -- or the fiber optics that connect us to the internet -- billions of brain cells called neurons send electrical signals to communicate to each other. These connections form circuits and become the basic foundation of brain architecture. Circuits and connections multiply at a really fast phase and are strengthened through repeated use.

Experiences and environment dictate which circuits and connections get more

used. A good example of this is, when a child is more exposed to different languages at an early age, he tends to become a good linguist when he matures. This is because the circuit and connection on language was strengthened through repeated use so the child’s ability to learn a certain language becomes easier. Connections that are used more grow stronger and more permanent.

A child’s experiences shape the process that determines whether the child’s brain will provide a strong or weak foundation for all future learning behavior or health.

According to the Center on the Developing Child of Harvard University, the early years provide the “building blocks” for successful “architecture of the brain,” and higher-level abilities that come later in life, such as problemsolving, emotional maturity, and communication, are developed and formed through brain connections made during the first five years.

Studies also show that in the first five years, nutrition plays a crucial role in brain development. Two experts - Sarah E. Cusick, Ph.D., and Michael K. Georgieff, MD published an article on PubMed

Central, a biomedical and life sciences journal literature from the US National Library of Medicine entitled “The Role of Nutrition in Brain Development: The Golden Opportunity of the First 1,000 days”. The medical journal says that among the factors that influence early brain development, three stand out as having particularly intense effects: Provision of optimal nutrition including brain food; presence of strong social support and/or secure attachment, and the reduction of toxic stress and inflammation.

The brain is vulnerable during this period so proper nutrition helps regulate brain development. Deficiencies in nutrients such as iron, zinc, and choline which are commonly found in milk can significantly alter the brain, as well as cognitive outcomes. According to hellodoctor.com, some Filipino foods that boost brain power include milk, eggs, fish, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, citrus fruits high in vitamin C, and berries. For infants, the most accessible will be milk with phospholipids.

That said, proper nutrition truly matters, as does making sure that you give the proper experiences and support during the critical period. Positive experiences or stimulation with proper nutrition yield positive outcomes and strong, healthy brain connections, whereas negative experiences and lack of proper nutrition yield negative outcomes in a child’s brain development. The critical period is a phase during which the brain cell connections are more sensitive to the influence of a life experience like what they hear, feel, see, and speak. In this period, a new skill or trait of a child can be formed through experience but when the skill was not experienced during this time, it becomes harder or even impossible for the child to learn or acquire it after the window of opportunity closes.

As parents, it is indeed important to learn, understand, and build a solid foundation with their children while nourishing their growth with phospholipids to help them reach their maximum potential, especially in the first five formative years.

MPIF, CCLEC inaugurate Cordova Mangrove Center, induct eco-guides as stewards of ecotourism

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ETRO Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC), and the local government of Cordova held the grand opening of the Mangrove Propagation and Information Center in Brgy. Day-as, Cordova, Cebu.

Led by Cordova Mayor Mary Therese "Teche" Sitoy Cho, MPIF President Melody M. Del Rosario, and CCLEC President and General Manager Allan G. Alfon, the first mangrove center of its kind in the Visayas region and the third in the whole country now opens its doors to further flourish Cordova’s booming ecotourism.

The two-storey facility shall serve as the center for the protection and propagation of mangrove trees in the coastal areas, including the rehabilitation of degraded mangroves in the whole Municipality of Cordova, as well as provide information to let locals and visitors appreciate the importance and benefits of mangroves in the ecosystem. The second floor likewise serves as a viewing deck for bird-watching activities.

“The Mangrove Propagation and Information Center is a legacy project of MPIF and CCLEC to the people of Cordova,” says Ms. del Rosario.

“Similar to our existing centers in Alaminos, Pangasinan and Del Carmen, Siargao, it will create employment opportunities that positively impacts the economic condition of their municipality.”

Through this Center, MPIF is continuously living up to its responsibilities in sustainability, by addressing a number of Sustainable Development Goals such as 14 Life Below Water, 15 Life on Land, 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, 13 Climate Action, and 17 Forming Partnerships to Attain the Goals.

“The completion of this mangrove center

is a testament to the intent of CCLEC, MPIF, and the local government of Cordova to prioritize the environmental sustainability of our surrounding projects,” says Mr. Alfon. “We are set to be a reliable partner in progress, while continuously placing value on their natural resources.”

A subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, CCLEC is the builder of the 8.5-kilometer Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway, or CCLEX, a toll bridge that will link Cordova in Mactan Island to mainland Cebu through the South Road Properties in Cebu City. CCLEC will maintain and operate the P30-billion facility under a joint venture agreement with the Local Government Units of Cordova and Cebu City.

Four individuals nominated by the local government will serve as official mangrove eco-guides, handling the daily operations and maintenance of the mangrove center, while providing the necessary orientation and tour for visitors in the mangrove center and mangrove park

The Eco-Guides underwent a week-long training session, which converged the Cordova eco-guide trainees with the Alaminos and Del Carmen ecoguides. The program comprised of learning sessions, where the existing eco-guides and their local government partners shared experiences and best practices with the future guides.

“We entrust this Mangrove Propagation and Information Center to the people of Cordova, under Mayor Teche Sitoy-Cho, in the belief that they will use this to advance their environmental and economic agenda,” says MPIC Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan.

“The Municipality of Cordova is thankful to MPIF, CCLEC, and Mr. Pangilinan, for the work they put in to successfully establish this facility in our area,” says Mayor Sitoy-Cho. “Aside from being a point of convergence for mangrove information and research, we intend to sustain it through creating complimentary programs that highlight our rich and thriving ecotourism.”

From cozy cafe to flourishing franchise, CEO Joyce Yu larks her way to success

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ITH no formal background in entrepreneurship, Joyce Yu was able to launch a small cafe of her own, and grow it into a successful multi-branch business over the course of 12 years. Joyce worked as a medical technologist prior to starting True Blends with her brother and husband in 2009. Their first branch was a cozy cafe located in the Ateneo de Manila High School cafeteria, which served hot and cold coffee-based drinks, pastries, and desserts.

Known back then as True Brew, the cafe quickly gained popularity among the Ateneo students, faculty, and parents. They would come for the food and drinks, relaxing ambiance, and personalized service. The company soon expanded with branches in key cities around the country. At present, you can find True Blends Tea & Coffee shops in Manila, Makati, Cavite, Nueva Ecija, Cebu, and Cotabato.

One of the must-order menu items at True Blends is their Chicken Chops, a consistent favorite among their customers. But what truly sets this cafe apart from their competitors is their milk tea. Joyce, who studied tea brewing in Taiwan, makes sure to use freshly brewed tea from carefully selected suppliers to create this delicious beverage. The whole family can enjoy True Blends' milk tea, which is safe even for children to consume. Among the cafe's latest offerings are their new Milk Tea by the Gallon, priced at P600, and new 1-Liter Iced Tea sold at P150.

An Accomplished Entrepreneur

ALONG with growing the company, Joyce also made an effort to expand her business knowledge, and establish the right connections over the years. She became a member,

and served as former president of the Association of Filipino Franchisers, Inc. (AFFI), and is a Go-Negosyo and DTI mentor. In 2019, she became one of the finalists for Franchise Business of the Year at the Asia Business Awards.

Looking towards the future, Joyce has started exploring digitization for True Blends in order to keep up with the evolving landscape of business. By employing solutions such as Lark, she is able to equip her company to adapt well to digital change. Apart from holding meetings with her franchisees, and connecting with fellow members of AFFI over Lark, Joyce has also started looking into using the platform as a tool for inventory management, in the hopes of streamlining this process for her business.

At the end of the Lark Your Way to Success webinar series last year, Joyce was announced as one of two winners of a business mentorship under Lark.

Joyce, who is admittedly not a very tech-savvy person, finds that Lark is easy to use. She shares, "Whenever I'm gonna have franchise inquiry meeting, I would just schedule it in the calendar and then there would be a link for our conference call. It saves time for me because I don't need to open another app to make a meeting link and then open another app to make a schedule. It is really an all-in-one app and super user-friendly."

For anyone who is interested in putting up their own business, True Blends Tea & Coffee offers an affordable P365,000 franchise package, complete with strategic marketing support. This standard franchise fee is an offer to businesses that were affected by the pandemic, as a means to help fellow Filipino entrepreneurs bounce back.

Find out more about True Blends Tea & Coffee at https://trueblendsph.com. To learn more about Lark, visit www.larksuite.com.

NIGHT OF IDEAS WITH CCP AND FRENCH EMBASSY. The Cultural Center of the Philippines supports the global exchange of ideas and knowledge, "La Nuit des idees (The Night of Ideas)," organized by the Embassy of France in Manila. On January 27, the pocket event dubbed "Proches a velo: Closer by Biking" put the spotlight on the development of the culture of cycling in the Philippines. The CCP has always been a destination for most bike enthusiasts in the country.

During the pandemic, the biking community has indeed grown leaps and bounds. : Arturo Carballo, Jr. (Project Lead, SM Bike-Friendly Initiative); Chris Millado (Artistic Director, CCP); Martin Macalintal (Cultural Attaché, French Embassy); Cyril Rocke (Vice-President, European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines); Marc Piton (Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, French Embassy); Cameron Gray (electric bike distributor); Howie Severino (broadcast journalist). Photo credit: Camille Conde of French Embassy

Robinsons Hotels, The Medical City forge care packages

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OBINSONS Hotels and Resorts (RHR) has partnered with The Medical City to provide a seamless and convenient health care experience with its Hotel and Travel Care Packages as a response to the current Covid-19 pandemic.

The hotel chain, a division of Robinsons Land Corporation, has elevated its standard of hygiene and cleanliness protocols with the “Circle of Clean” seal. Based on World Health Organization and Department of Health’s standards, the program provides a worry-free stay experience for its guests from pre-arrival to post-departure touchpoint in all its properties.

Hotel Care Package 1, prized at P4,200 net per person (single occupancy), is recommended for those taking the ECLIA Serological (antibody) test at The Medical City. Guests can stay overnight at a single room with packed breakfast high-speed WiFi, and cable TV. Extra night is at P 2,200.

This antibody test is a highlysensitive and specific chemiluminescent immunoassay test to identify people with an

adaptive immune response to SARS-CoV-2, indicating recent or prior infection. With the result out within 24 hours, the patient can stay at the nearby Summit Hotel Magnolia and Go Hotels Ortigas Center.

The three day-two night Hotel Care Package 2 is at P 10,000 per person for single occupancy, inclusive of full board packed meals, high-speed Wi-Fi connection and cable TV. This is designed for those taking the RT-PCR test, the gold standard for Covid-19 detection. Just add P 2,300 per person (single occupancy) to include private car airport transfer.

This is also designed for overseas Filipino workers, seafarers and balikbayans, who are required to undergo the RT-PCR swab test and have to wait for results and go-signal to return home.

For details, contact RHR Happy to Care Hotlines at 0917-8887788, 0998-8887788, and 8397-0111, Go Hotels Ortigas Center at 8531-3585, 8531-3591 or 0998-8401719, and Summit Hotel Magnolia at 8705-6300 or 0998-8403677, or email reservations@ summithotels.ph or reservations@gohotels.ph.

www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Angel R. Calso

The World

UN chief condemns detention of civilian leaders in Myanmar

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nited Nations SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the detention of Myanmar’s civilian leaders as the military announced it was taking control of the country for one year.

He expressed “grave concern” about the declaration that all legislative, executive and judicial powers have been transferred to the military. “These developments represent a serious blow to democratic reforms in Myanmar,” said a statement from the UN chief ’s spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric.

Guterres said the elections last November provided a strong mandate for Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy to govern.

The announcement that the military was taking control came on the first day Myanmar’s Parliament was to convene following the November elections.

The military has argued those elections were tainted by fraud, but the elections commission last week rejected those claims as lacking evidence.

Human Rights Watch expressed concern about the safety of the figures being detained.

“The military’s actions show utter disdain for the democratic elections held in November and the right of Myanmar’s people to choose their own government,” said Phil Robertson, HRW’s deputy Asia director.

Amnesty International noted that violence and extrajudicial killings had marked past coups and urged Myanmar’s armed forces to exercise restraint. “ The concurrent arrests of prominent pol itica l activ ists and human r ights defenders sends a chilling message that the military authorities will not tolerate any dissent,” Amnesty International said.

Leaders in the Asia-Pacific region are expressing concern about the military’s actions in Myanmar and detentions of top civilian leaders.

Austra lian Pr ime Minister Scott Morrison reiterated his country’s opposition to any attempt to alter the election results and urged all parties to adhere to democratic norms.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said the government had issued a safety advisory to Japanese citizens to be careful in the event of possible clashes.

“Japan believes it is important to resolve the problem peacefully through dialogue between the related parties based on democratic process,” Kato said.

A statement released by Singapore’s foreign ministry said it hoped all parties in Myanmar would work toward a positive and peaceful outcome. “We hope that the situation will return to normal as soon as possible.” AP

EU: AstraZeneca to supply 9 million more vaccine doses

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a joint news conference with European Council President Charles Michel at the end of a EU summit videoconference at the European Council headquarters in Brussels on January 21. European Union leaders assessed more measures to counter the spread of coronavirus variants during a video summit as the bloc’s top disease control official said urgent action was needed to stave off a new wave of hospitalizations and deaths. Olivier Hoslet, Pool Photo via AP

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ERLIN—Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca has agreed to supply 9 million additional doses of its coronavirus vaccine to the European Union during the first quarter, the bloc’s executive arm said Sunday.

The new target of 40 million doses by the end of March is still only half what the BritishSwedish company had originally aimed for before it announced a shortfall due to production problems, triggering a spat between AstraZeneca and the EU last week.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after a call with seven vaccine makers Sunday that AstraZeneca will also begin deliveries one week sooner than scheduled and expand its manufacturing capacity in Europe.

“Step forward on vaccines,” tweeted Von der Leyen, who has come under intense pressure over the European Commission’s handling of the vaccine orders in recent days.

The EU is far behind Britain and the United States in getting its population of 450 million vaccinated against the virus. The slow rollout has been blamed on a range of national problems as well as slower authorization of the vaccines and an initial shortage of supply.

AstraZeneca’s announcement last week that it would initially supply only 31 million doses to the EU’s 27 member states due to production problems set off a fierce dispute between the two sides, with officials in Brussels saying they feared the company was treating the bloc unfairly compared to other customers, such as the United Kingdom.

On Friday, hours after regulators authorized the vaccine for use across the EU, the commission said it was tightening rules on exports of coronavirus vaccines, sparking an angry response from Britain. The commission has since made clear the new measure will not limit vaccine shipments produced in the 27-nation bloc to Northern Ireland, a UK territory that was guaranteed unhindered cross-border access to the Republic of Ireland under the post-Brexit deal between Britain and the EU. EU member states praised the bloc’s executive branch last year for signing numerous deals with vaccine makers, saying the joint purchase using the

combined market weight of the entire bloc had ensured a fair distribution for all 27 countries at good prices.

Since then the mood among many EU citizens toward Brussels has soured, as countries outside the bloc speed ahead in the race to vaccinate their populations.

The British government hasn’t been shy about promoting its relative vaccine success, which has helped distract from the fact that the country remains top of the table for deaths in Europe.

Official figures show 598,389 shots were administered across the UK on Saturday, more than six times the number that Germany managed Friday, the last day for which figures were available.

Germany has so far given at least one dose to 2.2 percent of its population. Britain has done the same for 13.2 percent of its citizens.

In response, Chancellor Angela Merkel has summoned state governors Monday to discuss what German media are describing as a “vaccination debacle. “ Von der Leyen, who was Germany’s defense minister before taking the post in Brussels, insisted the EU had “made good progress.”

“Of course we’ve currently got a difficult phase,” she told German public broadcaster ZDF, but added that in the second quarter more vaccine would become available as regulators approve additional formulas and further production capacity goes online.

Pfizer, which developed the first widely tested and approved coronavirus vaccine together with German firm BioNTech, has said it expects to increase global production this year from 1.3 million doses to 2 billion doses. Tens of millions of those will likely go to the EU. In a statement, the European Commission said it plans to set up a specialized body to improve the bloc’s response to health emergency and “deliver a more structured approach to pandemic preparedness.”

As part of the effort, together with industry, the EU said it will “fund design and development of vaccines and scale up manufacturing in the short and medium term, and also to target the variants of Covid-19.”

“The pandemic highlighted that manufacturing capacities are a limiting factor,” it said. “It is essential to address these challenges.” AP

BusinessMirror

Tuesday, February 2, 2021

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Myanmar military grabs power; Suu Kyi, govt leaders detained

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AYPYITAW, Myanmar— Myanmar military television said on Monday that the military was taking control of the country for one year, while reports said many of the country’s senior politicians including Aung San Suu Kyi had been detained.

A presenter on military-owned Myawaddy T V m ade t he a nnouncement and cited a section of the military-drafted constitution that allows the military to take control in times of national emergency. He said the reason for takeover was in part due to the government’s failure to act on the military’s claims of voter fraud in last November’s election and its failure to postpone the election because of the coronavirus crisis.

The announcement follows days of concern about the threat of a military coup—and military denials—and came on the morning the country’s new Parliament session was to begin.

The detention of the politicians and cuts in communication services on Monday were the initial signals that plans to seize power were in motion.

Phone and Internet access to Naypyitaw was lost and Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party could not be reached.

The Irrawaddy, an established online news service, reported that Suu Kyi, who as state counselor is the nation’s top leader, and the country’s president, Win Myint, were both detained in the predawn hours. The news service cited Myo Nyunt, a spokesman

for the NLD. Its report said that the party’s Central Executive Committee members, lawmakers and regional Cabinet members had also been taken into custody.

The US, Australia and others issued statements ex pressing concern and urging Myanmar’s military to respect the rule of law.

“The United States is alarmed by reports that the Burmese military has taken steps to undermine the country’s democratic transition, including the arrest of State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi and other civilian officials in Burma,” White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement from Washington. She said President Joe Biden had been briefed on the reported developments.

“The United States opposes any attempt to alter the outcome of recent elections or impede Myanmar’s democratic transition, and will take action against those responsible if these steps are not reversed,” the statement said. Burma is the former name of Myanmar.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne called for the release of Suu Kyi and others reported to be detained. “We strongly support the peaceful reconvening of

In this December 17, 2019 file photo, Myanmar’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi speaks during a joint press conference with Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc after their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Naypyitaw, Myanmar. Reports on Monday, February 1, 2021, says a military coup has taken place in Myanmar and Suu Kyi has been detained under house arrest. AP/Aung Shine Oo, File

the National Assembly, consistent with the results of the November 2020 general election,” she said.

Myanmar lawmakers were to gather Monday in the capital Naypyitaw for the first session of Parliament since last year’s election.

The 75-year-old Suu Kyi is by far the country’s most dominant politician, and became the country’s leader after leading a decadeslong nonviolent struggle against military rule.

Suu Kyi’s party captured 396 out of 476 seats in the combined lower and upper houses of Parliament in the November polls, but the military holds 25 percent of the total seats under the 2008 military-drafted constitution and several key ministerial positions are also reserved for military appointees.

The military, known as the Tatmadaw, charged that there was massive voting fraud in the election, though it has failed to provide proof. The state Union Election Commission last week rejected its allegations.

Amid the bickering over the allegations, the military last Tues-

day ramped up political tension when a spokesman at its weekly news conference, responding to a reporter’s question, declined to rule out the possibility of a coup.

Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun elaborated by saying the military would “follow the laws in accordance with the constitution.”

Using similar language, Commander-in-Chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing told senior officers in a speech Wednesday that the constitution could be revoked if the laws were not being properly enforced. Adding to the concern was the unusual deployment of armored vehicles in the streets of several large cities.

On Saturday, however, the military denied it had threatened a coup, accusing unnamed organizations and media of misrepresenting its position and taking the general’s words out of context.

On Sunday, it reiterated its denial, this time blaming unspecified foreign embassies of misinterpreting the military’s position and calling on them “not to make unwarranted assumptions about the situation.” AP

Over 5,100 Navalny supporters arrested in rallies across Russia

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OSCOW—Chanting slogans against P re s i d e n t V l a d i m i r Pu t i n , t e n s o f thousands took to the streets on Sunday across Russia to demand the release of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, keeping up nationwide protests that have rattled the Kremlin. More than 5,100 people were detained by police, according to a monitoring group, and some were beaten.

The massive protests came despite efforts

by Russian authorities to stem the tide of demonstrations after tens of thousands rallied across the country last weekend in the largest, most widespread show of discontent that Russia had seen in years. Despite threats of jail terms, warnings to social media groups and tight police cordons, the protests again engulfed cities across Russia’s 11 time zones on Sunday.

Navalny ’s team quickly called another protest in Moscow for Tuesday, when he is set to face a court hearing that could send him to prison for years.

The 44-year-old Navalny, an anti-corruption investigator who is Putin’s best-known critic, was arrested on Jan. 17 upon returning from Germany, where he spent five months recovering from nerve-agent poisoning that he blames on the Kremlin. Russian authorities have rejected the accusations. He was arrested for allegedly violating his parole conditions by not reporting for meetings with law enforcement when he was recuperating in Germany.

The United States urged Russia to release Nava l ny a n d c ri t i c i ze d t h e c ra c kd ow n o n protests.

“The US condemns the persistent use of harsh tactics against peaceful protesters and journalists by Russian authorities for a second week straight,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Twitter.

The Russian Foreign M inistr y rejec ted Blinken’s call as “crude interference in Russia’s internal affairs” and accused Washington of trying to destabilize the situation in the country by backing the protests.

On Sunday, police detained more than 5,100 people in cities nationwide, according to OVD-Info, a group that monitors political arrests, surpassing some 4,000 detentions at the demonstrations across Russia on Jan. 23.

I n M o s c o w, a u t h o r i t i e s i n t r o d u c e d unprecedented security measures in the city center, closing subway stations near the Kremlin, cutting bus traffic and ordering restaurants and stores to stay closed.

Navalny’s team initially called for Sunday’s protest to be held on Moscow’s Lubyanka Square,

A policeman arrests a man while protesters try to help him, during a protest against the jailing of opposition leader Alexei Navalny in St. Petersburg, Russia on January 31. Thousands of people have taken to the streets across Russia to demand the release of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, keeping up the wave of nationwide protests that have rattled the Kremlin. AP/Valentin Egorshin home to the main headquarters of the Federal Security Service, which Navalny contends was responsible for his poisoning. Facing police cordons around the square, the protest shifted to other central squares and streets.

Police were randomly picking up people and putting them into police buses, but thousands of protesters marched across the city center for hours, chanting “Putin, resign!” and “Putin, thief!”—a reference to an opulent Black Sea estate reportedly built for the Russian leader that was featured in a widely popular video released by Navalny’s team.

“I’m not afraid, because we are the majority,” said protester Leonid Martynov. “We mustn’t be scared by clubs because the truth is on our side.”

At one point, crowds of demonstrators walked toward the Matrosskaya Tishina prison where Navalny is being held. They were met by phalanxes of riot police who pushed the march back and chased protesters through courtyards.

Demonstrators continued to march around the Russian capital, zigzagging around police cordons. Officers broke them into smaller groups and detained scores, beating some with clubs and occasionally using tasers.

Over 1,600 people were detained in Moscow, including Navalny ’s wife, Yulia, who was released after several hours pending a court hearing Monday on charges of taking part in an unsanctioned protest. “If we keep silent, they will come after any of us tomorrow,” she said on Instagram before turning out to protest.

Amnesty International said that authorities in Moscow have arrested so many people that the city’s detention facilities have run out of space.

“The Kremlin is waging a war on the human rights of people in Russia, stifling protesters’ calls for freedom and change,” Natalia Zviagina, the group’s Moscow office head, said in a statement.

Several thousand people marched across Russia’s second-largest city of St. Petersburg, chanting “Down with the czar!” and occasional scuffles erupted as some demonstrators pushed back police who tried to make detentions. Over 1,100 were arrested.

Some of the biggest rallies were held in Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk in eastern Siberia and Yekaterinburg in the Urals.

“I do not want my grandchildren to live in such a country,” said 55-year-old Vyacheslav Vo ro b yo v, w h o t u r n e d o u t f o r a ra l l y i n Yekaterinburg. “I want them to live in a free country.”

Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linde, who currently chairs the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, condemned “the excessive use of force by authorities and mass detention of peaceful protesters and journalists” and urged Russia “to release all those unjustly detained, including Navalny.”

A s p a r t o f a m u l t i p ro n g e d e f f o r t b y authorities to block the protests, courts have jailed Navalny’s associates and activists across the country over the past week. His brother Oleg, top aide Lyubov Sobol and three other people

were put under a two-month house arrest Friday on charges of allegedly violating coronavirus restrictions during last weekend’s protests.

Prosecutors also demanded that social media platforms block calls to join the protests.

The Interior Ministry issued stern warnings to the public, saying protesters could be charged with taking part in mass riots, which carries a prison sentence of up to eight years.

P ro t e s t s w e re f u e l e d b y a t w o - h o u r YouTube video released by Navalny’s team after his arrest about the Black Sea residence purpor tedly built for Putin. The video has been viewed over 100 million times, inspiring a stream of sarcastic jokes on the Internet amid an economic downturn.

Russia has seen extensive corruption during Putin’s time in office while poverty has remained widespread.

“All of us feel pinched financially, so people who take to the streets today feel angry,” said Vladimir Perminov who protested in Moscow.

“The government’s rotation is necessary.”

Demonstrators in Moscow chanted “Aqua discotheque!”—a reference to one of the fancy amenities at the residence that also features a casino and a hookah lounge equipped for watching pole dances.

Putin says neither he nor any of his close re l at i ve s ow n t h e p ro p e r t y. O n S at u rd ay, construction magnate Arkady Rotenberg, a longtime Putin confidant and his occasional judo sparring partner, claimed that he himself owned the property.

Navalny fell into a coma on Aug. 20 while on a flight from Siberia to Moscow and the pilot diverted the plane so he could be treated in the city of Omsk. He was transferred to a B erlin hospital t wo days later. Labs in Germany, France and Sweden, and tests by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, established that he was exposed to the Novichok nerve agent.

Russian authorities have refused to open a full-fledged criminal inquiry, claiming lack of evidence that he was poisoned.

Navalny was arrested immediately upon his return to Russia earlier this month and jailed for 30 days on the request of Russia’s prison service, which alleged he had violated the probation of his suspended sentence from a 2014 money-laundering conviction that he has rejected as political revenge.

On Thursday, a Moscow cour t rejec ted Navalny’s appeal to be released, and the hearing Tuesday could turn his 3 1/2-year suspended sentence into one he must serve in prison. AP

Sports BusinessMirror

fernandez

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| Tuesday, February 2, 2021 mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph Editor: Jun Lomibao

Panlilio, Valdez in forum

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HE online Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum will have distinct guests to welcome the “Love Month” of February on Tuesday.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio appears in the session for the first time as he talks about Gilas Pilipinas’s campaign in the Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers and the special Gilas-Philippine Basketball Association draft The first part of the Forum meanwhile, will have Milo Sports Executive Luigi Pumaren and Ambassadress Alyssa Valdez joining Department of Education Undersecretary Tonisito Umali to announce the new venture to be undertaken between the government agency with the country’s No. 1 nutritional drink.

DepEd and Milo will discuss the new program that aims to promote exercise for kids undergoing home-based learning in the forum that starts at 10 a.m.

Powered by Smart, the weekly session is presented by San Miguel Corp., Go For Gold, Milo, Amelie Hotel Manila, Braska Restaurant, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

With Upstream Media as webcast partner, the Forum is livestreamed via the PSA Facebook page fb.com/ PhilippineSportswritersAssociation and also shared by Radyo Pilipinas 2 Facebook page.

PRIORITIZE ATHLETES, COACHES–FERNANDEZ

By Josef Ramos

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ATIONAL athletes and coaches should fall in the priority list of Filipino citizens who should be inoculated once vaccines for Covid-19 are already available.

This was stressed by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Commissioner Ramon Fernandez to the BusinessMirror as he served his 30th day on Monday as chef de mission of the Philippine delegation to the 31st Souttheast Asian Games Vietnam is hosting in Hanoi.

What alarms Fernandez is the proximity of the Hanoi SEA Games—they are scheduled November 21 to December 2, a scaringly 43 weeks away with only a handful of Filipino athletes resorting to individual and online training for almost the entire 2020 because of pandemic.

Fernandez said he would make a

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sustainable and safe mode of transportation among Fernandinos.

“I consider this visit a homecoming, because it was right here in the City of San Fernando that I started my campaign to return to the Senate two years ago, and Mayor Santiago was also there to express his support,” she said.

Members of a local bikers group and athletes training under national triathlon coach Melvin Fausto, who hails from Angeles City, joined Cayetano in the activity.

Cayetano thanked Microgenesis Software Inc., which donated the 10 bicycles through Pilipinas in Action.

Emerging Infectious Disease to allow SEA Games-bound athletes and coaches to start actual training preferrable in bubble facilities.

Fernandez is schedule to meet with Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino to lay the groundwork for the training and preparation for the Vietnam SEA Games.

“I’m hoping the government will allow us to hold bubble training as long as we follow protocols because the other Southeast Asian countries are already training,” Fernandez said.

Only the Tokyo Olympics-bound qualifier and aspirants in karate, boxers and taekwondo are engaged in face-to-face training at the Inspire Sports Academy bubble in Calamba, Laguna. The aspirants are training for various qualifiers scheduled from April to June for the Olympics set from July 23 to August 8.

Fernandez said that the national sports

EALA JUMPS TO WORLD NO. 942

Cayetano distributes bikes for frontliners in Pampanga EN. Pia Cayetano on Friday led the distribution of new bicycles for the use of the City of San Fernando’s frontline community workers made up of traffic enforcers, street sweepers, barangay health and social workers and utility staff.

Cayetano, together with Mayor Edwin Santiago, turned over 10 bicycles and safety gear sets in simple ceremonies at city hall.

“Our beneficiaries help the city every day, and we don’t want them to be exposed [to Covid-19] if they take public transportation,” Cayetano said.

The bike distribution is part of Pilipinas in Action, a movement initiated by the senator to extend support to medical frontliners and essential workers leading various community programs to contain the Covid-19 pandemic across the country.

Cayetano, a biker herself, and the principal author and sponsor of the Safe Pathways Bill (Senate Bill No. 1582) acknowledged Santiago’s initiatives to promote cycling as a healthy,

formal request to Covid-19 vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. to prioritize SEA Games- and Tokyo Olympicsbound athletes and coaches for vaccination just like frontliners composed of the police, military and health workers.

“We’ll ask the IATF if they can prioritize the athletes for vaccination the same way as they’ll do with the frontliners, particularly those who will compete internationally,” Fernandez said.

Fernandez also stressed that government should also shoulder the cost of vaccination for the entire national team which, at the moment, is pegged at 996 athletes, 262 coaches, 280 para athletes and 82 para coaches.

Galvez, in reports, said the government expects to secure at least 148 million doses of anti-covid-19 shots from seven suppliers.

Also tops in the order of business, Fernandez said, is to secure an approval from the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of

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COCO GAUFF’S endurance undergoes acid test. AP

Gauff through in 3 tough sets in warmup tilt

ILIPINO sensation and Globe Ambassador Alex Eala entered the top 1,000 of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings following her breakthrough win in Spain and a strong performance in the succeeding tournament.

The 15-year-old tennis prodigy is now at the 942nd spot after winning the first leg of the Rafa Nadal Academy International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour W15 Manacor in Mallorca.

Eala was on an incredible seven-match

winning run against higher ranked and much older opponents, through the first and second legs of the ITF tour in Manacor.

Eala racked impressive victories against top seed and ITF singles world No. 2 Seone Mendez of Australia, No. 5 seed Carole Monnet of France and Adithya Karunaratne of Hong Kong to advance to the finals of the opening leg.

Eala, a Globe Ambassador since 2013, bucked an opening set loss to beat Yvonne Cavalle Reimers, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 to become the first Filipina to win an ITF event since 2015. It was also Eala’s first-ever professional women’s singles title.

ELBOURNE, Australia— American Coco Gauff didn’t make it easy on herself in her first-round match at an Australian Open tuneup event on Monday.

She was up a service break in the second set and looked ready for straight-sets win until Jil Teichmann won the second-set tiebreaker. The players then went to a deciding-set tiebreaker before Gauff won 6-3, 6-7 () 7-6 (5) at the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Gippsland Trophy.

“All the training I did in the off-season meant that I could go three tough sets,“ Gauff said on court after the match.

In another match at the same tournament, Australian Destanee Aiava beat Chloe Paquet, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 after saving 14 of 15 break points.

All six tuneup tournaments are being

played this week at Melbourne Park ahead of the February 8 start of the Australian Open.

The first major of the year was delayed by three weeks to allow for Covid-19 protocols which required all people arriving into Australia to spend 14 days in quarantine.

The biggest men’s tournament is the Association of Tennis Professionals Cup team event, which starts Tuesday. The other men’s tournaments are the Great Ocean Road Open and the Murray River Open.

In addition to Gippsland Trophy, the WTA has the Yarra Valley Classic and the Grampians Trophy.

The Grampians event is a 28-draw tournament and open only to players who were forced into hard lockdown for 14 days without the benefit of practice because of positive Covid-19 cases on their charter flights to Australia. AP

Messi seals most expensive contract ever in any sport

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ADRID—Lionel Messi’s most recent contract with Barcelona is worth up to €555 million ($673 million) over four seasons, the El Mundo newspaper reported on Sunday.

The Spanish daily said it had access to the document Messi signed with the Catalan club in 2017, which included fixed incomes and variables that could reach nearly 138 million euros ($167 million) each season. The newspaper said it is the most expensive contract ever agreed with an athlete in any sport.

Messi would have to pay about half of that in taxes in Spain.

The report said the 33-year-old player has already secured more than 510 million euros ($619 million) of the total.

Barcelona denied responsibility for leaking the document and said it would take legal action against the newspaper.

“The club regrets its publication given

that it is a private document governed by the principle of confidentiality between the parties,” it said in a statement. “FC Barcelona categorically denies any responsibility for the publication of this document, and will take appropriate legal action against the newspaper El Mundo, for any damage that may be caused as a result of this publication.”

The club expressed its “absolute support for Lionel Messi, especially in the face of any attempt to discredit his image, and to damage his relationship with the entity where he has worked to become the best player in the world and in football history.”

Messi, who did not immediately make any public comments about the report, later Sunday scored a goal in the team’s 2-1 win against Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish league. The result moved the Catalan club into second place for the first time this season, though its gap to leader Atlético Madrid was 10 points. AP

Bang! Bren Esports wins!

Vincent Juico @VJuico, Instagram vpjp_j, vince.juico@gmail.com

SPORTS WITHOUT BORDERS FOLKS, do you know that we’re the Mobile Legends World Champions? The Philippines, represented by Bren Esports, won the 2021 M2 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championship.

Twelve teams from nine countries battled it out in Singapore for fame, glory and a year’s worth of bragging rights on the battlefield of Mobile Legends. The prize money up for grabs then was a cool $300,000.

Bren Esports, along with the other Philippine representative Smart Omega, competed against teams from Brazil, Russia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Japan and Cambodia.

We had a conversation with Jab Escutin, COO of BrenPro Inc., the people responsible for putting the team together.

VJ: How did the team start?

JE: Like most professional sports, we started our initial roster by recruiting the best players based on their performance in

tournaments and competitions. From there we made adjustments and recruited new players who better fit our team composition.

VJ: What were the challenges the team faced on the way to the world title?

JE: I think the most challenging part of going to the world championship is the quarantine protocols that we had to follow.

Quarantine isolation really made it hard for our team to prepare and strategize for the tournament. The safety of our players will always be our No. 1 priority so we wanted to make sure we follow all the guidelines and documentation that was required for us to fly to Singapore and back to the Philippines.

VJ: Walk us through the moment the team won.

JE: It was surreal, to be honest it’s something that’s still sinking in for us. The realization that all our hard work has paid off is really something we are grateful for.

VJ: What was your initial reaction and

associations of cycling (Tagaytay), wrestling (Las Piñas City), fencing (Ormoc City) and rowing (La Mesa dam) have expressed intentions to put up their own bubble training facilities.

The budget for training, preparation and participation and composition of the national team to Vietnam would be determined during his meeting with Tolentino, according to Fernandez.

Fernandez also said that foreign exposure for national athletes would be dealt with on a caseto-case basis, depending upon prevailing health conditions and travel restrictions.

Eala The Rafa Nadal Academy scholar sustained her strong run in the second leg by shocking No. 2 Mirjam Bjorkland of Sweden in the opening round, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

She, however, ran into 21-year-old Swiss Ylena In-Albon and lost in straight-sets, 6-0, 6-3, last Friday, to end her winning run in the Manacor.

Eala decided to skip the final leg of the Rafa Nadal Academy ITF World Tour and instead will travel to France to compete in a tournament that will start on February 9 to boost her quest for another title and a chance to further improve her world ranking.

Carey retires after 17 seasons as TNT KaTropa

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ARDWORKING Harvey Carey finally called it a career after 17 years in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

TNT Tropang Giga governor and league chairman Ricky Vargas told BusinessMirror in a statement on Monday morning that the 6-foot-3 power forward and the seven-time PBA champion—all for the Tropang Giga— is retiring.

“I am personally grateful to Harvey for his loyalty, honesty and contributions to the team. He has been a quiet pillar of strength in building the TNT culture,” Vargas said.

Carey was drafted by TNT in 2003 as its fourth overall pick.

Since then, Carey, 41, played for TNT in his entire career, averaging 6.4 points (49.5 percent field goals), 6.1 rebound and 1.0 assists in 729 games.

In his rookie year, TNT won its first Philippine Cup title under the Manuel V. Pangilinan franchise together with fellow rookie Jimmy Alapag, who won the Rookie of the Year title.

“While the management regrets losing Harvey, who has been a great teammate, who leads with example and has been part of TNT Tropang GIGA since he started his career in the PBA and helped us win championships,” Vargas said.

Last year, Ranidel de Ocampo and Kelly Williams also retired leaving team captain Ryan Reyes and Jayson Castro as TNT’s veteran players.

Recently, NLEX veteran Cyrus Baguio, the 2008 Most Improved Player, also decided after 16 seasons. Josef Ramos thoughts upon winning?

JE: We felt humbled because we felt that we have a responsibility to make sure that the next generation of esports athletes have something to aspire for through our team.

VJ: Did you have doubts the team could pull it off?

JE: To be honest, we felt that our team did everything to prepare for the tournament.

We’re confident, but of course this is a competition where anything can happen and we were really nervous when we were bumped to the lower brackets. The grand finals was a real nail biter and we’re really happy the end results went our way.

VJ: What’s next for the team?

JE: We have a lot of things in the pipeline that we can’t mention for now. But the goal is to continue forward and #ElevateEsports in the Philippines.

VJ: Can the team repeat as Mobile Legends World Champions?

JE: Yes, definitely!

E-sports is a game where young Filipinos can excel. Out with the misconception that it’s just young men wasting time sitting idly on their couches and sofas playing video games.

The e-sports industry generates a lot of money every year. It is the new sunrise industry along with one of the few times we Filipinos can say, we’re the world’s best.